Understanding your block

If you are knocking down, rebuilding, buying a kit home or renovating, you will need to know some important pieces of information before preparing plans.
This includes territory plan and development zones, utility assets, conditions, heritage, plumbing and sanitary pipes.

Before you knockdown rebuild, buy a kit home, or renovate, you'll need to know some details about your block.

You'll need to find out about:

Your block: check the Territory Plan or use ACTmapi to find your block, its zone and the types of development allowed.
Development controls: check the Territory Plan zones - there might be planning controls that apply to your land.
Heritage considerations: your land or property may have heritage considerations. Find more information on the ACT Heritage Register.
Asbestos: depending on the age of your home, there may be asbestos in areas of your property.
Next steps: depending on the work you're doing, you may need to get a specific approval.

Know where your infrastructure is

You'll need to think about the infrastructure on or near your block, like:

Utility assets: utility network providers need space for their equipment and repairs. As the property owner, make sure any utility infrastructure on or near your property can be accessed safely. If you build over or too close to utility assets, you’ll be liable to remove obstructions or pay for moving the utility mains. Contact Icon Water for water and sewage services, and Evo Energy for electricity and gas utility infrastructure.
Plumbing ties: you'll need to know where your home's pipes meet the main system. Check this on the plumbing tie search.
Sanitary drainage plans: if you're renovating or extending, you'll need sanitary drainage plans for your block. You can buy these by completing a Sanitary drainage plans: Residential form. You'll get the plan image in 48 hours after you submit your application and payment.