The final Territory Plan, design guides, technical specifications and development controls are now in effect. These apply to any development applications submitted for completeness check on or after 27 September. Before this date, the interim Territory Plan and supporting documents will continue to be used.
If you're building or renovating in the ACT, you may need to submit a development application (DA).
A development application (DA) is a formal application for permission to build a new development in your area. Before you apply, it's important to understand:
- the planning legislation in the ACT
- when you need a DA, and
- the DA process.
New developments change the environment and have various impacts on the community. DAs are the tools used to understand what these impacts will have on an area.
DAs are assessed based on legislation and planning policy.
Some of the things considered are:
- environmental impacts
- consistency with the Crown Lease
- landscaping and private open spaces
- privacy
- access to natural sunlight
- parking.
DAs are also a way for the community to have their say about a new development proposal. This helps create a more balanced outcome for all.
Understand your block
All land in the ACT is zoned, and it can be used for different reasons.
Use ACTmapi to find:
- your block
- zone details or
- potential site considerations, like heritage or environmental.
The types of developments you need DA for might include:
- building a new house or associated structures
- building an infrastructure project or
- building a multi-story development for many uses.
Approval of your DA depends on:
- the type of work you're planning
- how complex it is and
- the extent of environmental impacts.
Some developments don't need a DA if they meet certain criteria. Find these criteria in the Planning (Exempt Development) Regulation 2023.
There may still be instances where you need a DA, for example if it:
- is a significant development, which includes:
- subdivision design applications
- developments that require consultation with the National Capital Design Review Panel (NCDRP)
- developments requiring an environmental impact statement (EIS)
- doesn't have the essential design elements required.
You will need other approvals if you need a DA on unleased land like nature strips or verges in front of the property.
Read more about exempt developments, and when developments aren't allowed in the ACT.
Development assessment process
The following outlines the development assessment process for merit track development applications.
Before you apply
- Prepare your documents
- Pre-DA advice
- Environmental impact assessment
- Consult with NCDRP
- Territory Priority Project Declaration
When you submit
Lodge your DA
- Public notification
- Entity referral
- Assessment by the Territory Planning Authority
- Requests for more information and amendments as required
- Pre-decision advice
Decision is finalised
- Authority is satisfied that conditions of approval are met
- Reconsider or amend approval
- Appeals to a court or tribunal
