Northern Territory · Planning guides
Planning rules in Northern Territory, explained from the source
What the NT Planning Scheme 2020 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 Northern Territory?
In the Northern Territory a granny flat is a dwelling-independent, defined in the NT Planning Scheme 2020 as an ancillary dwelling built on the same site as a dwelling-single. Clause 5.4.13 allows no more than one per site, caps the floor area at 75m2 in most zones and 100m2 in Zones H, A, RL and R, and requires both dwellings to share a single water connection or bore, a single power connection and normally a single vehicle access. In Zone LR a dwelling-independent is a Permitted use, so no development permit is needed if it meets every relevant Part 5 requirement and no overlay requires consent. If it departs from a requirement it becomes Merit Assessable and needs consent.
Read the guideDual occupancy and duplex rules
Can I build a dual occupancy or units on my block in the Northern Territory?
In the Northern Territory two or more dwellings on one site are a dwelling-group, if they sit side by side, or a dwelling-multiple, if one sits over another, and whether you can build them depends on the zone. Zone LR allows only one dwelling-single per lot plus a dwelling-independent, so a dual occupancy is not available there. Zone LMR allows one dwelling per 150m2 for one bedroom dwellings and one per 300m2 for larger dwellings, and lists a dwelling-group of fewer than five dwellings as Permitted. Zones MR and HR use density tables based on storeys and bedrooms. Clause 5.4.1 of the Scheme sets the maximum number of dwellings and the consent authority can vary it only where satisfied the proposal is consistent with the clause and zone purpose.
Read the guideSubdivision and minimum lot size rules
Can I subdivide my land in the Northern Territory?
In the Northern Territory subdivision always needs a development permit. Section 44 of the Planning Act 1999 applies the permit regime to any subdivision or consolidation of land, and clause 6.1 of the NT Planning Scheme 2020 confirms that subdivision requires consent unless the Act, Regulations or Part 1 say otherwise. The minimum lot sizes for urban residential zones are in Table A to clause 6.2.1: 800m2 in Zone LR outside greenfield compact growth areas, an average of 600m2 and no lot under 450m2 in greenfield LR areas, and 300m2 in Zone LMR. The consent authority must not approve a Zone LR subdivision more than 5% below the minimum and must not approve a Zone LMR subdivision that departs from Table A at all. Lots must also fit a building envelope and, below 600m2, meet a minimum road frontage.
Read the guideFast-track approvals
Is there a fast-track or exempt approval pathway for my project in the Northern Territory?
Yes. The NT Planning Scheme 2020 has no separate fast-track process, because its Permitted category already removes the need for a development permit. Under Part 1 clause 1.8 a use or development is Permitted without consent when the zone's assessment table shows it as Permitted, no Part 3 overlay requires consent, and it complies with every relevant Part 5 development requirement. A dwelling-single and a dwelling-independent in Zone LR, and a dwelling-group of fewer than five dwellings in Zone LMR, are examples. Schedule 3 lists further exceptions the Scheme does not prevent. A Permitted proposal that misses a requirement becomes Merit Assessable and needs consent. A building permit under the Building Act 1993 is always separate.
Read the guideHeight, setback and site coverage rules
What height and setback rules apply to my house in the Northern Territory?
Height and setbacks for houses in the Northern Territory come from Part 5 of the NT Planning Scheme 2020. Clause 5.2.1 limits buildings outside Alice Springs to the height in Table B for the zone and use, or two storeys to a maximum of 8.5m where the zone and use are not in the table, with a separate Table A for Alice Springs. Clause 5.4.3 Table A sets residential setbacks in the urban zones at 6m to the primary street, 2.5m to a secondary street and 1.5m to side and rear boundaries for one and two storey buildings, with larger setbacks above two storeys and a 1m side or rear option for low walls with limited openings. Clause 5.4.3.3 allows zero side setbacks and 3m front setbacks on lots under 600m2 in newer subdivisions.
Read the guideDo I need a development application?
Do I need a development permit for my project in the Northern Territory?
In the Northern Territory the planning approval is a development permit under the Planning Act 1999, and you need one when the NT Planning Scheme 2020 allows your development only with the consent of the consent authority, or when you are subdividing or consolidating land. The Scheme's Part 4 assessment tables classify each use in each zone as Permitted, Merit Assessable, Impact Assessable or Prohibited. Permitted development that meets every relevant Part 5 requirement and is not caught by an overlay needs no development permit. Building work always needs a separate building permit under the Building Act 1993. Section 75 of the Planning Act makes it an offence to use or develop land in contravention of the Scheme except under a permit.
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