After more than a decade of operation, a comprehensive review of SEPP 65 was finalised in 2015 and commenced on 17 July 2015. The review included extensive community and stakeholder consultation and resulted in a number of changes to the policy, including the overhaul of the Residential Flat Design Code into the Apartment Design Guide.

The changes were made to support further improvements in apartment design, and to help improve housing affordability and supply. 

Within the Apartment Design Guide, Part 4Q.1 requires that developments achieve a benchmark of 20% of the total apartments incorporating the Livable Housing Guideline's silver level universal design features.

The general features required for a silver livable apartment include:

• A continuous accessible path of travel from the boundary to the front entry door of the dwelling compliant with AS1428.1-2009;

• Entrance door with an 850mm clear opening width and level threshold (ensuring compliance with the Premises Standards);

• 1200 x 1200mm sheltered landing clearance on the arrival side of the entrance door;

• Internal doors to living area, dinning area, bathroom, kitchen, laundry and bathroom should have doors with an 820mm clear opening width (850mm preferred);

• 900mm wide x 1200mm long clearance in front of the toilet pan and located in a corner location;

• Hobless shower located in a corner location with a removable shower screen;

• Reinforced walls for the toilet and shower to allow for future installation of grabrails; and

• Internal stairway with a single continuous handrail if more than 1m high.