Not under the 2026 list of permitted encroachments. Clotheslines and hot-water systems were removed from the items allowed to encroach into a side or rear setback. Rainwater tanks, chimneys, flues, domestic fuel tanks, cooling and heating appliances, meters, aerials, antennae, unroofed pergolas, solar inverters and batteries may still encroach.

Reference: Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 (NI2026-303), Assessment Outcome 14.5- Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026

Heritage constraints are considered during residential development assessment by identifying whether the proposed works may affect a heritage place or its heritage values. Under the Heritage Act 2004, changes to heritage places must not reduce their heritage significance. Development that may impact heritage values, such as demolitions, building alterations, additions, earthworks, landscaping changes, or new development, may require heritage approval or assessment.

During assessment, the proposal may need to demonstrate that heritage impacts are avoided or appropriately managed. Depending on the type and scale of works, a Development Application, heritage approval, or supporting documents such as a Heritage Statement Report may be required. Heritage considerations can influence the design, materials, location, and extent of proposed residential development to ensure the heritage values of the site are protected.

Reference: Development at heritage sites – ACT Government

Yes, but only if the block is registered or provisionally registered on the ACT Heritage Register. In that case, the development must comply with any relevant requirements under the Heritage Act 2004, must not reduce the heritage significance of the place, and must be endorsed by the ACT Heritage Council. These requirements do not apply to properties that are not heritage listed.

Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 (NI2026-303), Assessment Outcome 23.1 & 23.2- Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026

During a Development Application (DA), the ACT planning authority assesses the proposal against the Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026, which form part of the Territory Plan under the Planning Act 2023. The assessment determines whether the development complies with the applicable Assessment Outcomes and Specifications for the relevant residential zone. These include standards for matters such as site coverage, setbacks, building height, private open space, landscaping, vehicle access and parking, and residential amenity. The planning authority uses the plans and supporting documents submitted with the DA to determine whether the proposal meets these requirements before making a decision.

Reference: Planning Act 2023 (ACT),  Chapter 7 – Development Assessment –Planning Act 2023

Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 (NI2026-303)- Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026

During a Development Application, the proposal is assessed against the relevant Assessment Outcomes and Specifications in the Territory Plan. Assessment Outcomes identify the planning results that must be achieved, while Specifications provide the detailed requirements that demonstrate how compliance can be met. The assessment considers whether the proposed development achieves the applicable outcomes and satisfies the relevant specifications.

Reference: ACT Government – Development Application Assessment Process

They are a benchmark, not a hard rule. The primary assessment consideration is whether the proposal meets the assessment outcomes in the Territory Plan. Where a proposal complies with a relevant specification and comprehensively addresses the assessment outcome, no further assessment of those specific provisions is required. However, a proposal can depart from a specification if the applicant can demonstrate that the relevant assessment outcome is still achieved on its merits.

Reference: Territory Plan 2023, Part E01 – Residential Zones Policy- Territory Plan 2023 | Notifiable instruments