Quicker answers for smaller subdivisions
The ACT Planning Act changes passed by the Legislative Assembly make planning and leasing faster for missing middle housing, such as townhouses, duplexes, terraces and other low-rise homes. They affect Canberrans who want to build this kind of housing, subdivide, consolidate blocks or add a secondary residence on a Crown lease.
The Planning (Missing Middle Housing) Amendment Bill 2026 was introduced in March and has now passed. Under the ACT Planning Act changes, smaller subdivisions and block consolidations will no longer be classed as significant development. That cuts the assessment period from 60 days with two rounds of public notification to 30 to 45 working days.
Granny flats without a lease variation
A Crown lease variation is no longer needed to build a secondary residence, such as a granny flat, on a single-dwelling Crown lease. Every single-dwelling lease now automatically includes that entitlement, which removes a step that used to apply.
For minor lease changes, such as adjusting the number of dwellings allowed, an exempt development pathway applies. No development application is needed to vary the lease, and assessment takes 10 days.
What the ACT Planning Act changes leave alone
A development application is still required for the design and siting of any additional homes. In other words, approval for where and how a new home is built does not change.
Planning Minister Chris Steel has said the ACT Planning Act changes build on the missing middle zoning reforms that took effect on 1 July, as part of the ACT Government’s goal of 30,000 new homes by 2030.
Related: Woollahra and Edgecliff rezoning consultation extended to 30 October 2026
General information only, not legal advice. Check the official source before acting.
Source: ACT Government. Licence: CC BY 4.0.
