Townhouses and low-rise apartments up to three storeys will be fast-tracked in Victoria under a new code.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny unveiled the plan to expedite the approval of new buildings including duplexes, townhouses and low-rise apartments.

The plan will especially target established suburbs close to transport, jobs and services.

Applications will need to meet a range of criteria including proof the property is set back enough, meets minimum room size and offers appropriate ventilation.

The criteria will also include whether the projects meet sustainability and energy efficiency standards.

New rules from April will remove the right for neighbours to object to the projects through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Under the code, councils will need to assess whether the applications meet the code.

Neighbours will still be notified of a proposal and will be able to give feedback under a streamlined process.