Do I need Development Approval to add a Second Residence?
Yes. A Development Application (DA) is required to add a secondary residence in the ACT. The proposal must comply with the applicable Territory Plan requirements, including zoning, setbacks, site coverage, private open space, parking, access and other relevant planning controls.
A building approval and other applicable construction approvals will also generally be required before construction can commence.
Reference: ACT Check if you need a DA- https://www.planning.act.gov.au/applications-and-assessments/development-applications/check-if-you-need-a-da
Short Answer
Yes. A Development Application (DA) is required to add a secondary residence in the ACT. A building approval and any other applicable construction approvals will also generally be required before construction begins.
Detailed Explanation
Yes. The construction of a secondary residence in the ACT requires development approval, as the development results in more than one dwelling on the block and does not qualify for the single-dwelling DA exemption that applies where the dwelling is the only dwelling on the block.
The proposal must be assessed against the applicable Territory Plan and statutory planning requirements, including the relevant residential zoning provisions and requirements relating to setbacks, site coverage, building separation, private open space, parking, access, building height and other applicable development controls.
A building approval and any other approvals required under applicable building and construction legislation will also generally need to be obtained before construction can commence.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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