An Overview of Planning Approval Requirements for Single

Dwelling Developments
Hi my name is Aaron Oshyer, and I’m from the ACT Government’s Environment and Planning
Directorate. This presentation will provide an overview of the planning approval requirements for a
single dwelling development.

All land in the ACT is zoned for different uses. To find out about how your land is zoned, you can go
to the ACTmapi tool on the Environment and Planning Directorate website.

Residential suburbs are predominantly zoned RZ1 - Suburban Area. This zone provides for housing
that is low rise and predominantly single dwelling and low density in character. Other zones provide
for, urban open space, community facilities or multi-unit developments such as town houses

Design and siting requirements for residences in the ACT are outlined in the Territory Plan's
residential codes. The Territory Plan is also available via the Environment and Planning Directorate
website.

The residential code requirements are expressed in the form of Rules and Criteria. The requirements
include: building heights and envelopes, plot ratio, boundary setbacks, private open space and
sunlight access that will apply to the development on your land.

Please note that requirements, such as front boundary setbacks, may vary depending on the size of
your block. A Compact block has a block area of 250m2 or less, a Mid-sized block has an area greater
than 250m2 but less than or equal to 500m2, and a Large block means a block area greater than
500m2.

It is also important that you are aware of the Precinct Code requirements for the suburb. The
Precinct Code may specify additional requirements that your development must meet such as, bush
fire construction requirements, noise attenuation, and building height and mandatory setback
requirements.

There are two types of approvals for new development—development approval and building
approval. For some houses and projects you don’t need to lodge an application for development
approval if certain requirements are met.

However, while your development may be exempt from needing development approval it may need
building approval or approval from the Territory and Municipal Services Directorate.

The exemption declaration process was introduced as a way to better deal with single residential
development proposals which would be compliant with the rules in the Single Dwelling Housing
Development Code, except for one or more minor departures.

The planning and land authority can consider applications for a minor departure of the distances
specified in the Code for building setbacks, dimensions of private open space and/or building
envelopes, and issue an ‘Exemption Declaration’ in respect of that departure.
Although an exemption declaration may be granted for a particular encroachment, Building
Certifiers still need to be satisfied that the proposal is rule compliant in all other respects, and that
other statutory requirements are met, before they issue a building approval.

Should your development proposal depart from a Rule and need to be considered against a relevant
Criterion you will need to lodge a Development Application in the Merit Track. The planning and
land authority determine these applications.

The DA will be notified to adjoining land holders, and may be referred to other government agencies
or utility providers. Any comments from neighbours or other agencies will be taken into account
when assessing the DA.

The statutory time frame for determining a DA is 30 business days. If an objection (representation) is
made by one or more neighbours, the statutory time frame is increased to 45 business days.

Often people are assisted in the process by industry professionals such as architects, draftspersons
and building certifiers.

Further information on the planning and building approval process is available on the Environment
and Planning Directorate website.

Thank you.