Does the development need an erosion and sediment control plan?
The DA needs to show how soil, mud and sediment will be kept on the property during construction instead of washing onto the road or into stormwater drains.
For sites under 3,000 m², the plan should show at least:
- sediment controls, such as sediment fencing;
- a stabilised site access point;
- a designated cutting/wash area; and
- the water-flow path, such as contours.
For a simple dual occupancy, this information can be shown on another plan rather than requiring a completely separate drawing. More complex developments may require a separate Erosion and Sediment Control Plan.
Reference: ACT Minimum DA Documentation Guideline 2026 (NI2026-13)
Short Answer
Yes. For an ACT dual occupancy DA, erosion and sediment controls are required. For a typical residential block under 0.3 hectares (3,000 m²), the plan must be prepared in accordance with the ACT EPA Preventing Pollution from Residential Building Sites – Builders Booklet.
Detailed Explanation
The ACT Minimum DA Documentation Guideline requires a dual-occupancy application to provide an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, or appropriate erosion/sediment-control information on the plans.
For sites less than 0.3 ha, it is prepared in accordance with the ACT EPA residential builders guidance. For sites greater than 0.3 ha, it must instead be prepared in accordance with the ACT EPA Environment Protection Guidelines for Construction and Land Development in the ACT.
No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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