Different exemption rules apply for rural leases, schools and other non-residential developments if they meet the requirements of the Planning (Exempt Development) Regulation 2023.
Electric vehicle charging points
Relevant provisions of the Regulation:
- Schedule 1, Part 1.4, Division 1.4.9, Section 1.140.
Electric vehicle charging points may be exempt from development approval if:
- no more than 2.5m in height, and
- no more than 2m2 in plan area.
They must be installed in consultation with the electricity utility provider, meet relevant Australian Standards and be located within 500m of existing electricity services.
Rural leases
Relevant provisions of the Regulation:
- Schedule 1, Part 1.4, Division 1.4.6, Section 1.85-1.86.
If you're a rural landholder, you may be able to build sheds, silos and other structures up to 216m2 in your plan area without development approval. You will need to consider if you are clearing native vegetation, whether the development is consistent with the land management agreement, and whether the development requires any other licenses or authorisation under other legislation.
These structures still need to go through the building approval (BA) and certification process.
Schools
Relevant provisions of the Regulation:
- Schedule 1, Part 1.4, Division 1.4.8.2.
Schools can carry out some minor works without development approval. This includes:
- entrances
- verandahs
- signs
- playground and exercise equipment
- fences
- shade structures
- covered external walkways
- flag poles
- water tanks
- landscape gardening
- car parks
- bicycle enclosures
- toilet and change room facilities
- driveways
- demountable buildings
- class 10b structures and
- security cameras and external lighting.
If the school is in a bushfire prone area, minor works will need to meet relevant bushfire safety standards. These minor works will need an agreement with the ACT Emergency Services Commissioner.
