Are there requirements for the location of garages and carports?
Yes. Garages and carports must comply with applicable planning, setback and parking controls. The Design Guide also recommends setting them behind the main building line and away from the street frontage where possible to reduce their visual impact.
Yes. The location of garages and carports needs to be considered as part of a dual-occupancy design.
The Missing Middle Housing Design Guide recommends that garages and carports be set back from the front façade and predominant building line and, where possible, located away from the street frontage so they do not dominate the streetscape. It illustrates a 2 m setback from the building line as a good design outcome.
The development must also comply with the applicable Territory Plan and Residential Zones Technical Specifications, including requirements relating to setbacks, parking and vehicle access.
Reference: ACT Missing Middle Housing Design Guide – 4.2B Garages and Carports - https://www.planning.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/3092411/ACT-Missing-Middle-Housing-Design-Guide.pdf & Residential Zones Technical Specifications 2026 - https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/View/ni/2026-303/current/PDF/2026-303.PDF
Link on the answer: https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/View/ni/2026-303/current/PDF/2026-303.PDF
Where this question is kept
| Dual Occupancy Q&A | #390 | agrees | 12/08/2026 |