ACT Territory Plan & Exempt Development
Statutory framework under the Planning Act 2023 (ACT). Because land in the ACT is held under Crown Lease, external residential building alterations must comply with strict Crown lease provisions and Territory Plan codes.
Exempt From DA Approval
Works meeting all criteria in Schedule 1 of the Planning (Exempt Development) Regulation 2023 require no Development Application (DA).
Still requires building certifier appointment if structural.
DA Assessed by Access Canberra
Triggered whenever a project exceeds solar envelope rules, encroaches into front setback easements, or exceeds plot ratio caps (e.g. 50% for standard blocks).
Public notification period of 15 to 20 working days.
Canberra Exemption Thresholds
Retaining Walls
Exempt from DA if not more than 1.0m in height and set back at least 900mm from front/side boundaries. Walls over 1.0m or within 1.5m of a boundary require building certifier approval.
Boundary Fences
Side and rear fences up to 2.3m in height are exempt from DA. Front courtyard walls or fences forward of the building line cannot exceed 1.2m without planning consent.
Pergolas & Patios
Unenclosed pergolas up to 25m² in area and 3.0m in height are exempt, provided they do not breach the solar boundary building envelope.
Solar Envelope Protection
Canberra enforces strict solar envelope cut-offs along northern and eastern boundaries to ensure neighbor sunlight is protected during the winter solstice.