How to comply with WSUD requirements

If you’re designing developments in Victoria, you’re likely aware of the importance of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD). This approach to stormwater management not only helps to protect and enhance our local waterways, but it can also contribute to the overall liveability and sustainability of our communities.

But with so many different requirements at both state and local council level, it can be tough to keep track of what’s required when it comes to WSUD compliance. That’s why we’re here to help!

First of all, let’s talk about the Victorian Planning Provisions. There are multiple clauses that outline the requirements for stormwater management in new developments and they’re an important part of the puzzle when it comes to WSUD compliance. No matter where you’re building in Victoria, at least one of these Clauses is likely to apply to your project. So, what are you designing?

• Commercial/Industrial developments – Clause 53.18-5 (Stormwater Management Objectives for Buildings and Works)
• Apartment buildings – Clause 55.07-5/Clause 58.03-8 (Integrated Water and Stormwater Management Objectives)
• Residential subdivisions – Clause 56.07-4 (Stormwater Management Objectives)
• Multi-residential developments – Clause 55.03-4 (Permeability and Stormwater Management Objectives)

But don’t be daunted! There’s a significant amount of crossover within the objectives of the above clauses. To a large degree, common strategies for WSUD management will satisfy the WSUD objectives that apply to your project, regardless of which Clause the development falls under.

In addition, some local councils have a WSUD policy within their planning scheme that may add more WSUD objectives that your development will have to respond to. Currently, the councils with standalone WSUD policies are:

• Bayside – Clause 19.03-3L-02 (Water Sensitive Urban Design)
• Kingston – Clause 19.03-3L-02 (Stormwater Management)
• Melbourne – Clause 19.03-3L (Stormwater Management (WSUD))
• Moonee Valley – Clause 19.03-3L (Integrated Water Management)
• Port Phillip – Clause 22.12 (Stormwater Management (WSUD))
• Stonnington – Clause 22.18 (Stormwater Management (WSUD))
• Yarra – Clause 22.16 (Stormwater Management (WSUD))

Of course, each of these policies has its own trigger – it might be 2+ dwellings or 3+ dwellings for a residential project, >500sqm or >1,000sqm for commercial projects, or a combination of those for mixed-use projects.

So rather than try to navigate all of the clauses and requirements and objectives yourself, reach out and let us give you a hand! Tell us where you’re building, what it is, and the scale, and we can tell you exactly what your WSUD obligations will be.

Let us do the hard work for you!