How is the solar building envelope assessed?
The solar building envelope is an imaginary 3D height and setback limit that controls how much a building can extend towards neighbouring properties. The assessment involves identifying the development type, applying the correct solar fence height and solar angle (31° for single dwellings or 45° for multi-unit housing), and checking that the proposed building fits within the envelope.
The solar building envelope checks whether a proposed building fits within a set height and location limit to protect sunlight to the site and neighbouring properties.
It is assessed by:
- Identifying the relevant adjoining residential boundary, especially a northern boundary.
- Applying the required solar fence height, which depends on the development type and block category:
- Single dwelling – large block: 2.4 m in the primary building zone and 1.8 m for other areas.
- Single dwelling – midsized or compact block: 3 m in the primary building zone and 2.3 m for other areas.
- Multi-unit housing: 3 m in the primary building zone and 2.3 m for other areas.
- Creating the solar envelope by projecting an imaginary solar plane from the solar fence:
- 31 degrees for single dwellings.
- 45 degrees for multi-unit housing.
The proposed building must fit within this envelope to meet solar access requirements.
Reference: Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 (NI2026-303), Assessment Outcome 15 - Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 | 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 | #296 | agrees | 29/07/2026 |