Residential building design project Altona North, Melbourne western suburbs

Registered building designer for Altona North and surrounds

Extensions, granny flats, dual occupancy, and new homes. RD Building Design manages design and permits across Hobsons Bay.

RD Building Design is a registered building design practice covering Altona North and Melbourne's wider western suburbs. We manage residential projects from the first conversation through to approved building permit drawings.

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About RD Building Design

Rhys Davies Building Designer (DP-AD 43008) Adv.Dip. Building Design (Arch.), Registered Building Practitioner (Arch.) RD Building Design

RD Building Design is a registered building design practice specialising in residential projects across Melbourne's western suburbs. Our work covers Hobsons Bay and the surrounding councils.

Every project is led by an experienced building designer from first conversation to permit approval.

For Altona North homeowners: straightforward advice, honest timelines, and permit drawings done properly the first time.

Want to understand the difference between working with a building designer and an architect?

Dual occupancy potential in Altona North

For Altona North properties on lots with adequate size and frontage, dual occupancy can be a genuine option.

The permit pathway is more complex than a standard extension, but the result is two separately titled dwellings on a single block.

RD Building Design assesses dual occupancy feasibility as part of every initial consultation. We confirm whether the numbers work before any design commitment.

Extensions designed for how you live

In Altona North, where most homeowners stay long-term, extensions are about solving a genuine problem: the kitchen that doesn't work for a growing family, the lack of a second living space, or a master bedroom that was fine for two.

Design quality matters more when you are living with the result for years. RD Building Design designs extensions around how a household actually functions: traffic flow, light, storage, and the relationship between indoor and outdoor space.

Granny flats in Altona North

Since Victoria's 2023 planning reforms, most residential properties can accommodate a secondary dwelling up to 60sqm without needing a planning permit. The building still needs to satisfy ResCode for setbacks, site coverage, and open space.

RD Building Design offers granny flat design and permits including our Boxed Buildings SIP panel range. These are precision-manufactured kits designed for fast on-site assembly. We design and document; your builder builds.

Site coverage is usually the binding constraint in Altona North. We check feasibility before any design commitment.

What you can build in Altona North

Planning controls and development potential under the Hobsons Bay Planning Scheme

Council

Hobsons Bay

Planning scheme

Hobsons Bay Planning Scheme

Predominant zones

GRZ General residential zone

Allows moderate housing growth. Dual occupancy viable on lots of 300sqm+ per resulting title. Medium density development permitted with a planning permit.

NRZ Neighbourhood residential zone

Limits housing growth. Maximum two dwellings per lot in most cases. No apartment-style development. Protects established neighbourhood character.

Planning overlays

Flood overlay

LSIO applies to parts of Altona North near Kororoit Creek and lower-lying areas toward the bay. Minimum floor levels and drainage requirements affect design on affected lots. Site-specific flood assessment is required before design on any lot near the creek corridor.

Typical lot size

Medium to large (typically 500-800sqm+)

More design flexibility. Site coverage is rarely the binding constraint, allowing larger secondary dwellings and more generous setbacks.

Granny flat viability

Permitted up to 60sqm without a planning permit under Victoria's 2023 provisions. Most blocks have sufficient site coverage capacity for a well-sized secondary dwelling.

Dual occupancy

Viable on many lots

GRZ or RGZ zoning on a significant proportion of properties. Lots meeting the minimum 300sqm-per-title threshold are common. Planning permit required.

Location

11km from Melbourne CBD. Nearest station: Altona.

This summary reflects general planning conditions for Altona North as of 2025. Individual properties may have additional overlays or conditions. A property assessment confirms exactly what applies to your block.

Building design services in Altona North

Whatever your project RD Building design can help.

New home design

Custom home design from initial brief through to permit-ready documents

Knockdown rebuild designs

A completely new design on your existing block, built around the life you want

Residential extensions and renovations

Additions that connect and blend with your existing home

Townhouses / Multi-Unit design

Multiple dwellings on one site, with all planning and documentation managed

How building design works with RD Building Design

Here is how a typical project runs.

Initial consultation. We discuss your project, assess your Altona North property's planning situation, and give you a clear picture of what is achievable. No fee.
Brief and feasibility. We assess your goals against the site and planning controls. This happens before design begins.
Concept design. Floor plans, external appearance, and how the project works on the block. You direct revisions.
Planning permit (where required). We prepare, submit, and manage the application through to decision.
Building permit documentation. Full working drawings for permit submission and builder pricing.
Approved drawings. A complete set any registered builder can price from and build to.

RD Building Design serves homeowners across Melbourne's western suburbs and beyond.

Building design questions for Altona North homeowners

Do I need a planning permit to extend my house in Altona North?

It depends on the work and your property's planning overlays. Many extensions can proceed directly to building permit under ResCode. Properties in heritage overlays or special planning areas usually require planning approval. RD Building Design assesses this at initial consultation.

How long does a building permit take in Altona North?

A building permit application is typically assessed in 10-20 business days. Where a planning permit is required first, Hobsons Bay assessment typically takes 10-60 days. RD Building Design advises on realistic timelines at the start of every project.

Can I build a granny flat on my Altona North property?

Most residential lots zoned NRZ or GRZ can accommodate a secondary dwelling up to 60sqm without a planning permit under Victoria's 2023 provisions, subject to site coverage, setback, and open space requirements. RD Building Design confirms feasibility as part of an initial assessment.

Is dual occupancy viable on my Altona North block?

It depends on your lot size, zoning, and frontage. RD Building Design carries out dual occupancy feasibility assessments at initial consultation.

How do I find out what I can build on my property in Altona North?

RD Building Design offers a property assessment that reviews your block against the Hobsons Bay Planning Scheme and gives you a written summary of what is buildable: extension capacity, granny flat viability, dual occupancy potential, and any constraints.

Talk to a building designer who knows Altona North

A free consultation covers your project, your property's planning situation, and an honest assessment of what is achievable. No obligation.

Book a free consultation View our building design services