ACT Territory Plan Update • Effective 1 July 2026

RZ1 Dual Occupancy & Subdivision Rules in Canberra

Your block size is only one part of the assessment. Zoning, dimensions, access, easements, services, setbacks and other site constraints can all affect what may be possible.

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Minimum block sizes for subdivision (RZ1)

Minimum block sizes — what changed 1 July 2026

In RZ1, subdivision to create one or more additional blocks may be permitted where either each subdivided block contains a lawfully constructed dwelling, or each subdivided block is at least 350m².

1

One 700m² block → two potential 350m²+ blocks

The illustration shows the basic area concept before other property-specific planning controls are considered.

Existing 700 square metre RZ1 block becoming two potential 350 square metre blocks
✓ Key point

700m² does not automatically mean your block can be subdivided.Width, access, services, easements and other planning controls still apply.

Other key rules

  • Each new block must meet the applicable area requirement
  • Setbacks and site coverage still apply
  • Suitable access must be provided
  • Easements, services, trees and constraints may affect the outcome
What about my block? Block size is only one factor. A property-specific assessment is still required.
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Separate ownership

Two ways to achieve separate ownership

Block subdivision and unit title are different pathways. The illustrations below show the key difference between separate land parcels and separately owned units.

2

Subdivision vs unit title

These two ownership structures may look similar from the street, but legally they work differently.

Separate land

Block subdivision

Block subdivision showing two separate RZ1 land parcels
  • Separate land parcels
    Separate land parcels

    Each lot becomes its own parcel of land.

  • Separate titles
    Separate titles

    Each subdivided block can have its own title.

  • Independent ownership
    Independent ownership

    Each block can potentially be sold separately.

Separate units

Unit title

Unit title showing two separately owned dwellings on one underlying land parcel
  • One underlying land parcel
    One underlying land parcel

    The land is not divided into two separate blocks.

  • Separate ownership of units
    Separate ownership of units

    Each eligible unit can have separate ownership.

  • Common property may apply
    Common property may apply

    Shared areas such as access may form common property.

✓
Key takeaway Block subdivision creates separate land parcels. Unit title creates separately owned units.
Which pathway may suit your block?

The right option depends on your property, proposed development and applicable planning requirements.

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RZ1 planning controls

Site coverage (RZ1)

Maximum site coverage for multi-unit housing, including dual occupancy, in RZ1 and RZ2 is generally 45% of the original block area.

3

What 45% site coverage looks like

The building footprint occupies up to 45% of the original block, leaving the remaining area outside the building footprint visible.

Top-down RZ1 property illustration showing maximum 45 percent site coverage and remaining open area
45%

Maximum site coverage

The roofed building footprint can occupy up to the applicable site coverage limit.

55%

Area outside the footprint

The remainder of the block sits outside the building footprint shown in the diagram.

i
Key takeaway Site coverage is not the same as dwelling floor area.

It includes roofed areas such as the house, garage, carport and covered outdoor areas.

What about my block?

Actual development area depends on your property dimensions, setbacks and other planning constraints.

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RZ1 unit titling

RZ1 unit titling requirements

Unit-title subdivision does not create two separate blocks of land. It creates separate ownership of units within an eligible completed development.

For an RZ1 dual occupancy, the unit-title process is separate from the original development approval and must satisfy the relevant Territory Plan, Crown lease and unit-title requirements.

4

How unit title works — the four steps

Build → occupancy documentation → title process → separate units.

01

Build it

Dual occupancy development lawfully constructed

Dual occupancy development is lawfully constructed.

02

Complete it

Required occupancy documentation

Obtain the required occupancy documentation.

03

Title process

Subdivision and unit title requirements

Meet the relevant subdivision and unit-title requirements.

04

Separate units

Separate Unit 1 and Unit 2

Eligible units can then be registered as separate units.

!
Building a dual occupancy does not automatically guarantee that separate titles can be created.

The completed development must still satisfy the relevant subdivision, unit-title and property-specific requirements.

Want to understand the unit-title rules in more detail?

Explore the related planning questions or check what may apply to your own block.

Unit Title Questions → Check My Block →
RZ1 subdivision

Can I subdivide my RZ1 block?

A block may meet the minimum area requirement and still need several other planning checks before subdivision can be confirmed.

5

A simple way to assess the opportunity

Follow the four key checks from zoning through to the most suitable development pathway.

01
RZ1 zoning and property check

Is it RZ1?

Check the zone, Crown lease and block details.

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02
Land size dimensions frontage and access

Land size & dimensions?

Check block area, frontage, dimensions and access.

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03
Check whether each proposed block can work

Can each block work?

Consider setbacks, coverage, services, trees & constraints.

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04
Choose the appropriate subdivision or unit title pathway

Which pathway?

Block subdivision, dual occupancy or unit title.

✓
Key takeaway Meeting the block-size requirement is only the starting point.

The dimensions, access, site controls and property-specific constraints determine which pathway may actually be possible.

What about my block? See how these checks may apply to your property.

Every block is different. Start with your address and review the relevant property information.

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Property constraints

What can stop a subdivision?

Even if a block meets the minimum area requirement, site-specific constraints may limit or prevent subdivision.

6

One block can have several planning constraints

Block size is only one part of the assessment. Easements, trees, setbacks, access and services can all affect what may be possible.

Easements

Easements

Location, type and width of easements may restrict where development can occur.

Narrow frontage

Narrow frontage

Limited frontage may prevent compliant block layouts or suitable access.

Property services

Services

Sewer, stormwater, water, electricity and NBN servicing may affect feasibility.

RZ1 property illustration showing subdivision constraints including easements trees setbacks services frontage and driveway access
Tree restrictions

Tree restrictions

Regulated or protected trees may restrict building areas and subdivision layouts.

Setbacks

Setbacks

Required distances from boundaries and other buildings can reduce usable space.

Driveway access

Driveway access

Each proposed block needs suitable access that meets planning and engineering requirements.

✓
Key takeaway A 700m² block does not automatically mean the property can be subdivided.

Two blocks with the same land area can have very different outcomes because of access, easements, trees, setbacks, services and other site-specific constraints.

What about my block? See which constraints may affect your property.

Check your block to understand the planning factors that may influence its development potential.

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Additional planning controls

Other planning overlays

Mapped planning overlays can add further controls to a property and may affect where, or whether, development can occur.

7

Your block may have additional mapped constraints

Planning overlays sit over the underlying property and can introduce additional requirements that need to be checked.

Heritage

Heritage controls may affect demolition, alterations and new development.

Flood

Flood-related mapping can introduce additional site and development considerations.

Biodiversity

Environmental or biodiversity constraints may affect usable development areas.

Bushfire

Bushfire-related controls may require additional design, access or construction considerations.

Other mapped controls

Additional Territory Plan mapping may also affect the development outcome.

i
Key takeaway Two similar RZ1 blocks may have different development potential.

Zoning and block size are only part of the picture. Mapped planning overlays and property-specific constraints can change what may be possible.

What about my block? Check which planning information may apply to your property.

Start with your Canberra address to review the block and its relevant planning information.

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Planning Q&A

Related RZ1 planning questions

Detailed answers about subdivision, dual occupancy, site coverage and unit titling.

Subdivision What determines whether an RZ1 property can be subdivided? Read full answer learn more arrow Dual Occupancy What determines whether a dual occupancy is permitted on an RZ1 property? Read full answer learn more arrow Planning Documents What planning documents should be reviewed before assessing an RZ1 property? Read full answer learn more arrow Site Coverage How much of my block can I build on? Read full answer learn more arrow Subdivision Can I sell a newly created block without constructing a dwelling on it? Read full answer learn more arrow Unit Titles Under what circumstances can unit titles be created? Read full answer learn more arrow Development Potential How is the maximum development potential of an RZ1 property determined? Read full answer learn more arrow Build & Title Can I construct first and subdivide or unit title later? Read full answer learn more arrow Getting Started What are the first steps before starting a dual occupancy or subdivision project? Read full answer learn more arrow Block Type Can a dual occupancy be built on a battle-axe block? Read full answer learn more arrow
Content Review Reviewed by Frank Walmsley — ACT Building Licence 2012767

Last updated: 8 September 2026

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Quick Answers

Frequently asked RZ1 questions

Is every 700m² RZ1 block automatically able to be subdivided?
No. Block size alone does not determine whether an RZ1 block can be subdivided. The proposal must also satisfy the applicable planning and site requirements.
Can I build a dual occupancy on an RZ1 block?
Dual occupancy may be possible where the proposal satisfies the applicable planning and design requirements.
What is the general site coverage for dual occupancy in RZ1?
Site coverage depends on the relevant planning controls and the specific characteristics of the property.
Is block subdivision the same as unit-title subdivision?
No. Block subdivision and unit-title subdivision are different pathways and need to be assessed separately.

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General information only. This page is not legal or planning advice. Always confirm the requirements applying to your specific property.