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Medium Density Design Guidelines

Tasmania is facing a critical need for more diverse housing options. Currently, almost 90 per cent of the state’s housing stock consists of single detached dwellings, limiting housing choices for a growing and changing population.

The Medium Density Design Guidelines (PDF 10.3 MB) have been developed as a non-statutory, advisory document to support the delivery of high-quality, well-designed medium-density housing in Tasmania.

Medium-density housing — such as terraces, townhouses, and low- to mid-rise apartments — can provide greater housing diversity, improve affordability, and help revitalise urban areas.

The Guidelines offer practical advice on site planning, building design, streetscape integration, environmental sustainability, and resident liveability to assist developers, planners, architects, and the broader community in delivering better housing outcomes for Tasmania.

Download the Medium Density Design Guidelines (PDF 10.3 MB)

How Were the Guidelines Developed?

Development of the Medium Density Design Guidelines (PDF 10.3 MB) was undertaken as part of the 30-Year Greater Hobart Plan. The Guidelines were developed by ERA Planning & Environment in collaboration with urban design experts, planners, architects, and community stakeholders.

As part of the development process, a public consultation period was held from July to September 2024 to gather feedback from industry professionals, local councils, and the community.

The feedback received was used to inform the further review, amendment and improvement of the Guidelines. A Consultation Report (PDF 479.6 KB), which outlines the feedback received and the changes that were made to the final version, is available below, as well as the public submissions (PDF 8.0 MB) received.

Download the Consultation Report (PDF 479.6 KB)

Download the Public Submissions (PDF 8.0 MB)

What’s Next?

The Medium Density Design Guidelines will be reviewed periodically to align with Tasmania’s evolving planning system and ensure best-practice urban design continues to shape our cities and towns.

The Tasmanian Government is also supporting increased density through initiatives such as the Density Incentive Grant Scheme, which provides $10,000 per dwelling for eligible medium and high-density housing projects.