Development applications

If you are resubmitting information in response to completeness check failures on DAs that were submitted under the previous planning system, please do not edit and resubmit an application form in eDevelopment. This causes your application to be treated as a new DA under the new planning system.

If you need to edit your application form, please complete the most recent version of the relevant approved form and resubmit it as a supporting document with your resubmission.

• If you’re building or developing in the ACT you may need development application (DA) approval.
• If you're a community member and want to make comment on a new development proposal, you need to understand the process.

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.

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.

• 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)

  You will need other approvals if you need a DA on unleased land like nature strips or verges in front of the property.

  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

  Your application documents will be checked (5-10 working days)

  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

  Read more about each step

  1. Before you apply
  2. After you apply
  3. Amend or appeal an outcome

  Related content

  • Do you need a DA
  • Browse DAs
  • Building approvals
  • Other approvals
  • Assessment