Questions & Answers

How are easements, utilities and stormwater infrastructure considered during a planning assessment?

Easements, utilities, and stormwater infrastructure are checked during planning assessment to make sure a new development does not block access, damage essential services, or cause drainage problems. Easements show areas of land that must remain available for specific uses, such as utility maintenance or access. Developers must consider these areas when designing a proposal.

Reference: ACT Government – Easements – https://www.planning.act.gov.au/community/get-to-know-your-block/surveying-a-boundary/easements

Last reviewed: 5 August 2026 Information current as at: 1 September 2026

Short Answer

Easements, utilities, and stormwater infrastructure are considered during planning assessment to ensure development protects existing infrastructure, maintains access rights, and meets servicing and stormwater management requirements. Easements identify areas where land may be used by others for specific purposes, such as access to utility services.

Detailed Explanation

Easements, utilities, and stormwater infrastructure are considered during planning assessment to ensure development does not interfere with existing legal rights, essential services, or drainage systems. Easements identify areas where another person or organisation has a legal right to use part of a block for a specific purpose, including access to utility infrastructure such as stormwater and electricity. Development proposals must account for these constraints, protect utility assets, and demonstrate appropriate servicing and stormwater management outcomes in accordance with applicable planning requirements.

Key Point

No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.

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