Does the DA need existing and proposed site levels?
Yes, for developments where levels affect the planning assessment, the plans need enough level information to show the existing site and how the proposed development will sit on it.
This is particularly important where levels affect matters such as building height, finished floor levels, excavation or filling, retaining works, driveway gradients or the relationship of the building to the surrounding ground.
For example, on a sloping block, a section through the proposed dwelling should show the relevant ground level and proposed floor levels so the building’s height and relationship to the land can be properly understood. ACT Planning describes section plans as including ground, floor and ceiling levels.
The exact amount of level information required will depend on the proposal and the matters that need to be assessed; it is not necessarily the same for every DA. ACT Planning requires the DA documentation to address the relevant Territory Plan provisions and include the supporting plans necessary for assessment
Reference: ACT Planning – Development Application Naming Conventions –https://www.planning.act.gov.au/applications-and-assessments/development-applications/before-you-apply/naming-conventions
Short Answer
Yes, where site levels are relevant to assessing the development, the DA plans should show the necessary existing and proposed levels. ACT Planning specifically identifies ground levels, floor levels and ceiling levels as information shown on section plans, while elevations show building heights in relation to Australian Height Datum (AHD).
Detailed Explanation
ACT Planning's Development Application Naming Conventions identifies the level information expected within different DA drawing types:
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Sections – cross-sections through proposed buildings and structures that include important information such as ground levels, floor levels and ceiling levels, and may also show applicable building envelopes.
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Elevation Plans – show the finished appearance of the building and its heights in relation to Australian Height Datum (AHD).
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Driveway Plans – demonstrate proposed driveway crossings, including their dimensions and levels, although these details may also appear on the Site Plan.
Accordingly, it is more accurate to say that existing and proposed site levels should be provided to the extent necessary to demonstrate and assess the proposal, rather than saying that every DA must contain a complete set of existing and proposed levels in exactly the same format.
Example: For a dual occupancy on sloping land, the plans may need to show the existing ground profile together with proposed finished floor and relevant external levels so that matters such as building height and the relationship of the proposed buildings to the site can be assessed.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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