Questions & Answers

Can construction be staged under one Development Approval?

Yes. A single DA can cover development that is constructed in separate stages, provided the approval allows for that staging.

For example, one part of an approved development may be constructed first and another part later. You need to check the Notice of Decision and approved plans because conditions can apply specifically to a particular stage and may require certain work or approvals to be completed before that stage begins.

ACT Planning expressly recognises conditions requiring “the development, or a stage of development” to be undertaken in a particular way or within a specified period.

Separate Building Approval and other pre-construction requirements must also be addressed for the building work being undertaken

Reference: ACT Planning – After you apply ? Possible outcomes ? Conditional approvals – https://www.planning.act.gov.au/applications-and-assessments/development-applications/after-you-apply

Last reviewed: 21 September 2026 Information current as at: 31 October 2026

Short Answer

Yes. Construction can be staged under one Development Approval where the approved development and its conditions allow the development to be undertaken in stages. Each stage must remain consistent with the approved plans and satisfy any conditions that apply before or during that stage.

Detailed Explanation

ACT Planning's After you apply ? Possible outcomes ? Conditional approvals ? Common conditions confirms that DA conditions can regulate individual stages of an approved development. In particular, a condition may require:
  • the development, or a stage of development, to be undertaken to the satisfaction of a stated entity or stakeholder; or
  • the development, or a stage of development, to be undertaken within a period stated in the approval.
This demonstrates that a Development Approval can contemplate staged implementation, rather than requiring all approved works to be constructed at the same time. However, staging construction does not create separate Development Approvals. The works remain subject to the one DA and its approved plans and conditions, including any conditions that must be satisfied before a particular stage starts. Before construction of the relevant building work, separate requirements such as Building Approval must also be satisfied where applicable. For larger subdivision developments, ACT Planning also formally recognises a Staging Plan, which identifies each stage and the order in which it will be constructed.
Key Point

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

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