Did my principal private open space requirement change?
The minimum principal private open space requirements have not changed, but the 2026 Technical Specifications update how they are assessed. The minimum area and dimensions remain the same for both single dwellings and multi-unit housing. However, the rules are more flexible for single dwellings, while several detailed design requirements for multi-unit housing—such as access, screening, orientation, and solar access—have been removed from this provision.
The minimum size of your principal private open space has not changed, whether you are building a house or a multi-unit development. For single dwellings, the 2026 rules are more flexible about where the space can be located and make it clear that it cannot include features such as swimming pools or retaining walls. For multi-unit housing, the required size stays the same, but the detailed rules about being next to a living room, screening from the street, facing the right direction, and receiving sunlight have been removed from this provision.
Reference: Planning (Residential Zones) Technical Specifications 2026 (NI2026-303), Assessment Outcome 11.15-11.6 - 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 | #200 | agrees | 05/08/2026 |