Questions & Answers

When should I engage a town planner, surveyor and building designer?

For an ACT development, it is best to involve these professionals early, before you submit your Development Application (DA):

  • Town planner: At the beginning, to check what you can build and what planning rules apply.
  • Surveyor: Early on, to check your block’s boundaries, levels and site conditions. You will also need one for subdivision or unit titling.
  • Building designer/architect: Once the basic planning and site requirements are known, to design the development.

For dual occupancy or other multi-unit residential developments, getting these professionals involved early can help identify problems before you spend too much on detailed plans.

Last reviewed: 7 August 2026 Information current as at: 1 September 2026

Short Answer

It is best to engage a town planner, surveyor and building designer early in the planning and design stage, before lodging your Development Application. A surveyor can confirm site boundaries and conditions, the designer can prepare the proposed design, and a town planner can assist with planning requirements and the DA process.

Detailed Explanation

For an ACT development, you should generally engage these professionals early, before lodging your Development Application (DA):

  • Town planner: At the start of the project to check zoning, Territory Plan requirements, development rules and whether a DA is required.
  • Surveyor: Early in the design process to confirm the block's boundaries, levels and existing site conditions. A registered surveyor will also be required if you intend to subdivide or unit title the development.
  • Building designer/architect: After the initial planning and site constraints are understood, to prepare a design that complies with the planning and building requirements.

For a dual-occupancy or Missing Middle project, involving the planner, surveyor and designer early can help identify issues before you spend significant money on detailed plans.

Key Point

No minimum block size does not remove the need for planning assessment.

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