Can I build a taller wall near the boundary now?
The side and rear building envelope has increased by 500 mm, from 3.5 m to 4.0 m, with a 45° plane projected from each side and rear boundary (measured from datum ground level). This does not apply where solar building envelope requirements or specified exemptions apply. For single dwellings, the solar envelope remains unchanged at 31°, so there is no change to height control. For multi-unit housing, the solar envelope changes from 31° to 45°, providing a larger buildable envelope and greater design flexibility. The final height remains subject to all applicable controls, including building envelopes, height limits, setbacks, and solar requirements.
Yes. The side and rear building envelope has increased by 500 mm, from 3.5 m under the 2025 specifications to 4.0 m. The building envelope is formed by 45-degree planes projected from a height of 4 m above each side and rear boundary, with all height measurements taken from datum ground level. This requirement does not apply where solar building envelope requirements apply or where the specified exemptions in the Territory Plan apply.
The change in the solar building envelope requirements from 2025 to 2026 also affects maximum building height differently depending on whether the development is a single dwelling or multi-unit housing.
For single dwellings, the solar building envelope remains unchanged with the 31° projection angle, so there is no change to the height control.
For multi-unit housing, the projection angle increases from 31° to 45°, creating a larger buildable envelope and allowing greater design flexibility. However, the final maximum height is still determined by the interaction of the solar envelope, building envelope, height limits, setbacks, and other applicable planning controls.
Reference: Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 (NI2026-303) - Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026
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 | #196 | agrees | 07/08/2026 |