How long can neighbours make representations?
Once the DA is publicly notified, neighbours and other members of the community generally have 15 working days to submit comments or objections.
A representation needs to be submitted within that notification period to be required to be considered. The notification period can also be extended in some circumstances.
Reference: Planning (General) Regulation 2023 (SL2023-20), Section 36 Public Notification Period
Short Answer
For a typical dual-occupancy Development Application, neighbours have 15 working days to make a representation during the public notification period.
Detailed Explanation
For a standard dual-occupancy DA, the applicable public notification period is 15 working days.
The current Planning (General) Regulation 2023, s 36(b) prescribes 15 working days for a development application other than a significant development. The current Regulation is Republication No. 6, effective 22 May 2026.
Under s 180 of the Planning Act 2023, a representation must be made during the public notification period. The legislation also provides for the public notification period to be extended by the Territory Planning Authority.
For our assessment of a dual-occupancy proposal, we would therefore generally allow for a 15-working-day neighbour/public representation period, subject to any extension or further notification that may arise during the DA process. ACT Planning also confirms that a changed non-significant DA, where further public notification is required, is generally notified for 15 working days.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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