Underground car parking would be the only type allowed in most city apartment and office developments, under new rules being considered by Melbourne City Council.

And skyscrapers that cannot have underground parking because of soil conditions would instead have to ensure car spaces built on lower levels had high enough ceilings to later be converted into places for people to live.

Above-ground car parking is on the way out. Credit:Jason South

Planning Minister Richard Wynne will be asked to sign off on the proposed Central Melbourne Design Guide, released on Thursday by Melbourne City Council.

The rules aim “to improve the quality of urban design of private developments” across the city centre.