Planning rules in Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT, the Territory Plan sets the zones and policies for every block, and the Planning Act 2023 sets how applications are assessed. Some small works are exempt; most other development needs a development application.
Lots on the zoning map
Suburbs with zoning maps
Projects explained, with sources
Routes to approval, below
How approval works in Australian Capital Territory.
The Planning Act 2023 replaced the ACT's previous planning system in November 2023, along with a new Territory Plan. Applications go to the Territory Planning Authority. ACT land is leasehold, so adding dwellings or unit titling usually also needs a variation to the Crown lease.
Exempt development
The Planning (Exempt Development) Regulation 2023 lets many small works, such as some decks, pergolas and sheds, go ahead without a development application if they meet every criterion.
Development application
Most other development needs a development application, assessed on its merits against the Territory Plan.
Environmental impact statement
Some larger proposals, listed in the planning regulation or named by the Minister, need an environmental impact statement (EIS), finished before the development application is lodged.
Building approval from a building certifier is separate: work that needs no development application may still need it. Your state’s portal: ACT Planning.
Your project in Australian Capital Territory.
The statewide answer for each project, with the size limits, setbacks and approval route on its own page. Overlays on your lot can change it: check your address for those.
Granny flats
Approval requiredYes. A secondary residence of between 40 m² and 90 m² is allowed under the Territory Plan. It normally needs development approval, can be rented on the open market, but cannot be separately…
Granny flat rules in ACTDual occupancy
Depends on your lotYes in most suburban areas, following a major change. The Missing Middle Housing reforms commenced on 1 July 2026 and allow duplexes, triplexes, terraces and townhouses of up to two storeys…
Dual occupancy rules in ACTSubdivision
Depends on your lotAll ACT land is held on a long-term Crown lease, so subdividing means changing the lease as well as the land. Whether you can do it depends on your residential zone (RZ1 to RZ5), the size…
Subdivision rules in ACTDecks & pergolas
Fast-track availableAn unroofed deck can be exempt from both a Development Approval and a Building Approval if its floor is no more than 1 m above ground, its highest point is no more than 3 m off the ground…
Deck & pergola rules in ACTSheds & garages
Depends on your lotA Class 10a shed can be 'exempt development' — no development application (DA) — if it's within the size, height and siting limits (up to 20 m² in residential zones, more in rural zones)…
Shed & garage rules in ACTFences
Fast-track availableIn the ACT a side or rear boundary fence between neighbours is exempt development up to 2.3 m above natural ground level, provided it sits behind the front building line. Street-facing…
Fence rules in ACTZoning in Australian Capital Territory.
The zone decides what can be built on a lot. See it for any address, on the map, or council by council.
Zoning maps by suburb
Every suburb we map in Australian Capital Territory: its zones, lot sizes and the flood, bushfire and heritage overlays, from the government’s own data.
104 suburbsWhat’s permitted in each zone
Whether a dual occupancy, a home business or a child care centre is allowed, from the land use tables for Australian Capital Territory.
Browse land usesThe zoning map
Every lot’s zone, boundary and size on one map, with the overlays that change what you can build.
Open the mapThe largest suburbs, by lots mapped
Questions about Australian Capital Territory.
How big can a secondary residence be in the ACT?
Between 40 m² and 90 m² of gross floor area under the Territory Plan.
Can I build a duplex on an RZ1 block in Canberra?
Yes, since 1 July 2026. The Missing Middle Housing reforms allow duplexes, triplexes, terraces and townhouses of up to two storeys in RZ1, and the previous 800 m² minimum block size for a second dwelling has been removed. You still need a merit track development application, and site coverage, setbacks and canopy cover requirements decide how much actually fits.
Can I subdivide my block in Canberra?
It depends on your zone and your Crown lease. Block subdivision creates separate blocks with their own leases and has traditionally been available in RZ2 to RZ5; unit titling creates units within one parcel and normally requires the dwellings to be built first. The Missing Middle Housing reforms that commenced on 1 July 2026 expanded what can be built and titled in RZ1 and RZ2, so check the current Territory Plan settings for your block and read your lease's purpose clause.
Do I need approval to build a deck in the ACT?
Not if it is exempt: an unroofed deck with its floor no more than 1 m above ground, its highest point no more than 3 m off the ground and no unsupported span over 4 m needs neither a DA nor a BA. Outside those limits you need approval.
Do I need approval for a shed in the ACT?
A shed up to 20 m² in a residential zone (more in rural zones), no higher than 3 m and behind the building line, is exempt from a development application. You'll still generally need a separate building approval.
How high can a fence be in the ACT?
A side or rear boundary fence between neighbours can be up to 2.3 m above natural ground level as exempt development, as long as it is behind the front building line. Front fences facing the street generally need a development application.
Where this comes from
The project answers above are summarised from each project page’s own sources. Last reviewed November 2026.
General guidance only, not professional planning advice. Planning rules change, and councils add their own controls: confirm with your council or a qualified planner before you start.
Talk to a town planner in Australian Capital Territory
This page covers the general rules. A qualified town planner can tell you what applies to your block, including the zone, overlays and approval path, before you spend money on drawings.
- Qualified, practising town planners
- Advice specific to your property
- Free, with no obligation