Planning requirements can vary from one block to another across the ACT.

For your block, we would check its residential zone, the relevant District Policy, any overlays or site-specific provisions, and the requirements that apply to the type of development you are proposing.

For a dual occupancy, these checks help determine requirements such as building height, setbacks, site coverage, parking, private open space, solar access and other design requirements.

Reference: Territory Plan 2023 (NI2023-540) – https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/ni/2023-540/Current

If there is an existing structure on the block that does not have the necessary approvals, it should be identified before preparing the new development application.

For example, an unapproved extension, garage, carport or other structure may take up space needed for the new development or affect requirements such as setbacks, site coverage, private open space, planting or parking.

It does not necessarily mean a new DA cannot proceed, but the unapproved structure may need to be dealt with separately or incorporated into the overall development strategy.

Reference: Building Act 2004 (ACT), current version — including s 69(2B); Certificate of completion of unsubstantiated building work – https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/View/a/2004-11/current/html/2004-11.html

You do not necessarily need to pay for a complete set of detailed plans before finding out whether your development idea is realistic.

An early assessment can check things such as the property’s zoning, Crown lease, block size, applicable planning requirements, easements, heritage or environmental constraints, and other site conditions. This can help identify major issues before significant money is spent on detailed design.

Concept plans may then be prepared once there is a clearer understanding of what is likely to work on the

Reference: ACT Planning – Before you apply – Before you apply – City and Environment Directorate – Planning

A sloping block can still be developed, but the slope may affect where and how the building can sit on the land.

For example, a steep slope may require more excavation or retaining walls, and parts of the building may sit higher above the existing ground. This can affect building height, driveway access and the relationship of the development to neighbouring properties.

We would normally review the site levels and survey information early in the design process so the development can work with the slope rather than relying on significant changes to the land.

Reference: Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 (NI2026-303) – Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026

A corner block can give you more ways to arrange a development because there are two street frontages to work with.

For example, it may be possible to orient the dwellings toward different streets or consider different locations for entrances and driveways. This can be useful when designing a dual occupancy.

However, both street frontages need to be considered in the design. Setbacks, driveway locations, pedestrian access and the way the development presents to each street can reduce some of that flexibility.

The actual development potential therefore depends on the block dimensions, zoning, street layout and applicable planning requirements, not simply on the property being a corner block.

Reference: Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 (NI2026-303) – Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026

The second storey may need to be set further back from a boundary than the ground floor.

This helps reduce the apparent bulk of a two-storey building and provides greater separation from neighbouring properties. It can also assist with privacy and solar access.

So, even where the ground floor can be relatively close to a boundary, the upper floor may need to step back further.

Reference: Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 (NI2026-303), Assessment Outcome 14 Height, Bulk and Scale – Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026