How long does a Development Application for subdivision typically take, and what costs should be budgeted for?
A subdivision Development Application is usually treated as a significant development, so it goes through public consultation and a detailed assessment. Once your application is complete, the ACT Government generally aims to make a decision within 60 working days, although the process can take longer if more information is needed or changes are made during the assessment.
You should also budget for the new Crown lease fee (about $7,500 for each additional lease), application and processing fees, and professional costs such as surveying and planning. If your Crown lease needs to be changed before the subdivision can proceed, there may be extra costs. A benefit of block subdivision is that it can usually be completed before construction begins, so building time is not included in the subdivision assessment period.
Reference: ACT After you Apply – After you apply – City and Environment Directorate – Planning
Short Answer
A subdivision Development Application is generally assessed as a significant development, which includes public consultation and a statutory assessment period of up to 60 working days once a complete application is lodged, although this may take longer if additional information or amendments are required. You should also budget for the new Crown lease fee (approximately $7,500 per additional lease), application and processing fees, and professional costs such as surveying and planning. If your Crown lease requires amendment before subdivision, additional costs may apply. One advantage of block subdivision is that it can usually be completed before construction, so building time is not included in the assessment process.
Detailed Explanation
A Development Application (DA) for a block subdivision is generally assessed as a significant development under the ACT planning system. Once a complete application has been accepted, the statutory assessment timeframe is generally up to 60 working days, although this may be extended if further information is requested, referrals are required, or amendments are made during the assessment process. Significant developments also involve public notification and consultation, allowing neighbours and referral entities to provide comments before a decision is made. In addition to the assessment timeframe, applicants should budget for lease grant fees (approximately $7,500 for each additional Crown lease as at 2026), application and processing fees, and any costs associated with surveying, planning, engineering, or servicing. If the existing Crown lease requires a variation or the removal of lease provisions before subdivision can occur, additional costs may apply and are assessed on a case-by-case basis. One advantage of a block subdivision is that it can generally proceed before new dwellings are constructed, so construction time is separate from the subdivision process.No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.
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