Australian Capital Territory · Planning guides
Planning rules in Australian Capital Territory, explained from the source
What the Territory Plan 2023 actually say about the things people most often want to do with a block, quoted word for word, with what each council sets on top.
Granny flat rules
Can I build a granny flat in the ACT?
In the ACT a granny flat is a secondary residence, a second dwelling subordinate to the principal dwelling on the block. The Territory Plan 2023 lists it as permissible in every residential zone from RZ1 to RZ5, caps it at 90m² of dwelling size, allows one per block and only alongside single dwelling housing. It always needs a development application, because adding a second dwelling can never be exempt development, and it can never be put on a separate title.
Read the guideDual occupancy and duplex rules
Can I build a dual occupancy or duplex in the ACT?
In the ACT a dual occupancy is a block originally leased for one dwelling being used for two, and the Territory Plan treats it as multi-unit housing. Multi-unit housing is permissible in every residential zone including RZ1, subject to the zone's density, site coverage and storey limits, and it always needs a development application. Unit titling a dual occupancy in RZ1 requires a standard block of at least 600m² once both dwellings are built.
Read the guideSubdivision and minimum lot size rules
What is the minimum block size for subdivision in the ACT?
The ACT has no council lot size maps. Subdivision is a listed use in every residential zone and is assessed under the Territory Plan's F01 Subdivision Policy, which in RZ1 permits new blocks where each contains a lawful dwelling or is at least 350m², and unit titling of multi-unit housing on a standard block of at least 600m². All land is leasehold, so a subdivision is also a lease matter, and a secondary residence can never be given separate title.
Read the guideFast-track approvals
What can I build in the ACT without a development application?
The ACT has one fast track: exempt development under the Planning Act 2023 and the Planning (Exempt Development) Regulation 2023. Work that meets the general criteria and a specific exemption in Schedule 1 needs no development application, approval or exemption assessment, though it may still need building approval. A compliant new single dwelling can be exempt, but anything that takes a block to 2 or more dwellings never is. There is no complying development certificate system as in NSW.
Read the guideHeight, setback and site coverage rules
How high can I build and how close to the boundary in the ACT?
In the ACT the mandatory limits are in the Territory Plan's E01 Residential Zones Policy: 2 storeys in RZ1, site coverage of 40% on a large block, 60% on a mid sized block and 70% on a compact block for a single dwelling. The benchmark numbers, including 8.5m building height in RZ1, the 45° building envelope from 4m above side and rear boundaries, and the front and side setback tables, are in the Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026. District policies can override the zone.
Read the guideDo I need a development application?
Do I need a development application in the ACT?
In the ACT you need a development application unless your work is exempt development under the Planning (Exempt Development) Regulation 2023. The Planning Act 2023 sorts development into three types: exempt, which needs no approval, assessable, which needs development approval from the Territory Planning Authority, and prohibited, which the Territory Plan does not allow. The check runs in order: lease, zone and land use table, exemption criteria, then the Territory Plan's outcomes and requirements.
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