Does each dwelling in a dual occupancy need its own pedestrian entrance?
Each dwelling should have a clearly identifiable and accessible pedestrian entrance. The entrance does not necessarily need its own completely separate access point from the street, but safe and clear pedestrian access must be provided to the dwellings.
For a block with a boundary to a rear lane, pedestrian access must be provided from the main street frontage, rather than relying only on access from the rear lane.
The Missing Middle Housing Design Guide also recommends clearly marked pedestrian entrances and accessible pathways to dwelling entries.
Reference: Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 (NI2026-303) – Pedestrian Access requirements – https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/View/ni/2026-303/current/PDF/2026-303.PDF & ACT Missing Middle Housing Design Guide – Section 4.1B Safe Pedestrian and Cycle Access –https://www.planning.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/3092411/ACT-Missing-Middle-Housing-Design-Guide.pdf
Short Answer
Each dwelling should have a clearly identifiable and accessible entrance. A separate street access point for each dwelling is not necessarily required. However, if the block has a rear lane, pedestrian access must be provided from the main street frontage.
Detailed Explanation
Pedestrian access to a dual occupancy must comply with the applicable Residential Zones Technical Specifications. In particular, where a block has a boundary to a rear lane, pedestrian access is required from the main street frontage.
The Missing Middle Housing Design Guide further provides that pedestrian entrances should be clearly marked, appropriately separated from vehicle and cycle access, and connected by accessible footpaths to dwelling entrances.
These requirements do not establish that each dwelling must have an entirely separate pedestrian access point from the public street; rather, the development must provide appropriate pedestrian access to the dwelling entrances.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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