Do upper-floor windows need privacy screens?
Not necessarily. Upper-floor windows do not automatically require privacy screens. Screening or other design measures may be used where needed to address privacy and overlooking.
Not necessarily. Upper-floor windows do not automatically need privacy screens. The design must appropriately address privacy and overlooking under the applicable ACT planning provisions and design guidance.
The Missing Middle Housing Design Guide recommends designing private spaces and openings to minimise overlooking and identifies measures such as building and window positioning, landscaping, louvres, screens, battens and other architectural treatments where additional privacy is needed.
A privacy screen is therefore one possible design solution, rather than an automatic requirement for every upper-floor window.
Reference: Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 (NI2026-303), Assessment Outcome 16 - https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/View/ni/2026-303/current/PDF/2026-303.PDF & Missing Middle Housing Design Guide 2026,5.2C Privacy and Outlook - https://www.planning.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/3092411/ACT-Missing-Middle-Housing-Design-Guide.pdf
Link on the answer: https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/View/ni/2026-303/current/PDF/2026-303.PDF
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| Dual Occupancy Q&A | #433 | agrees | 17/08/2026 |