How much space must there be between the existing and new dwelling?
The required separation depends on the zoning and the design of the dwellings. In RZ1 and RZ2, separation generally ranges from 3 to 12 metres, depending on whether external walls, habitable-room windows or other unscreened elements face each other. In RZ3, RZ4 and RZ5, separation generally ranges from 3 to 12 metres, depending on the building height and the elements facing each other. The exact separation will be determined during the design process, taking into account privacy, window locations, private open space and other applicable planning requirements.
The required separation depends on the residential zone, building height, and whether walls, windows or other unscreened elements face each other.
RZ1 & RZ2
| What faces each other? | Minimum separation |
|---|---|
| External wall ↔ External wall | 3 m |
| Non-habitable unscreened element ↔ External wall | 3 m |
| Non-habitable ↔ Non-habitable unscreened elements | 6 m |
| Habitable ↔ Non-habitable unscreened elements | 9 m |
| Habitable unscreened element ↔ External wall | 9 m |
| Habitable ↔ Habitable unscreened elements | 12 m |
| Unscreened element ↔ Centre of another dwelling's minimum PPOS | 12 m |
RZ3, RZ4 & RZ5
| Building height | Wall ↔ Wall / Unscreened element | Unscreened ↔ Unscreened |
| Up to 4 storeys | 3 m | 6 m |
| 5–8 storeys | 4.5 m | 9 m |
| 9+ storeys | 6 m | 12 m |
A 12 m separation applies between an unscreened element and a primary window, or the centre of another dwelling's minimum principal private open space (PPOS).
Important: These are building-separation requirements. Boundary setbacks, privacy, solar access, building height and other planning requirements must also be considered. The exact separation required will depend on the design of the existing and proposed dwellings.
Reference: Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 (NI2026-303), Assessment Outcome 29.1- 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
Where this question is kept
| Dual Occupancy Q&A | #324 | agrees | 07/08/2026 |