How detailed do the architectural plans need to be for a DA?
The architectural plans need to be detailed enough for ACT Planning to clearly understand and assess the proposed development against the applicable Territory Plan requirements. They do not generally need to contain the same level of construction detail as Building Approval drawings, but they must provide sufficient information for the planning assessment.
For a DA, the plans should clearly show what you are proposing, its dimensions and levels, and how it sits on the block.
For a typical residential development, this means the plans should provide enough information to assess matters such as the building footprint, setbacks, floor layout, building height, ground and floor levels, external appearance, access and other relevant site conditions.
For example, ACT Planning describes residential assessment floor plans as showing the room names, dimensions, walls being removed or altered and finished floor levels. Elevations show the finished appearance and heights, while sections show matters such as ground, floor and ceiling levels.
The plans therefore need to be more developed than a basic sketch. However, detailed construction information such as structural connections and construction detailing is generally dealt with later as part of the Building Approval documentation, where applicable.
Reference: ACT Planning – Before you apply ? Prepare your documents - https://www.planning.act.gov.au/applications-and-assessments/development-applications/before-you-apply
Link on the answer: https://www.planning.act.gov.au/applications-and-assessments/development-applications/before-you-apply
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| Dual Occupancy Q&A | #537 | agrees | 31/08/2026 |