Boxhead,
Bay side Council is the toughest council in Victoria (something to do with all the Judges that live in the suburb) they want you to spend millions on the land (better rates) but you are only able to use 50% of the land for dwellings (including driveways)
I even received dispensation from the neighbours to reduce the 2.5 meter boundary to 1.8, but the council refused. So this buliding is 100% compliant.
Before I purchased the block I had a drafty in to give his opinion on what I wanted to do. It was a huge part of the decission to purchase the house based on his knowledge of the council regulations and the neighbouring dwellings.
Even with this information the Council was a pain, everything takes ages and costs heaps. I hate dealing with monopolies.
STIFFY