Car parking is necessary for most developments. There is a need to ensure that parking is provided to accommodate staff, visitors and customers at commercial and industrial premises and to meet the needs of residents and visitors in housing developments.

Approvals needed

You will need development approval for all maintenance, repairs, replacement and modifications to driveways in heritage areas.

In non-heritage areas, if you are replacing the existing driveway using the same building materials and not modifying the original shape or size of the driveway, you do not need development approval from us, but you will need to contact Roads ACT. Roads ACT needs to approve the final formwork/base of the section of the driveway that is outside your land (the strip from the road to your boundary) before the application of the final finish. For example, if you are replacing a concrete driveway, then Roads ACT will inspect that section of the driveway formwork before the concrete is poured.

In non-heritage areas, if you are carrying out general maintenance on a driveway – such as repairing cracks in concrete, holes in bitumen and replacing pavers – you do not need to contact us or Roads ACT. However you should use materials similar or nearly similar to the original building materials.

Garages and carports are sometimes exempt from development and/or building approval. Parking that is for commercial and mixed-use developments require development approval and the facilities require building approval when they are constructed.

Get development approval

For driveways requiring development approval, complete a development application form. Once you lodge this form, we liaise with Heritage ACT and other organisations for other approvals. Applications for driveways in heritage areas require public notification, which occurs after lodging an application.

For parking requiring development approval, lodge your form with plans.

Get help

For more information, including use of materials and a checklist of location requirements, read the driveways fact sheet.

The ACT Parking And Vehicular Access Guidelines are used to calculate the amount of car parking to be provided at large developments. The guidelines include advice about areas covered by the ACT parking contribution scheme, general design and vehicular access requirements and parking plans in specific areas.

How to begin

For driveway changes, we suggest working out if you are in a heritage area by viewing the Heritage Register. For considering parking arrangements in your development, we suggest you find a professional to help you draw plans. You can also contact us to discuss whether you need approval.