Some external photovoltaic panels, solar water heaters, air conditioners and evaporative coolers and support structures don’t need development or building approval if they comply with rules set out in regulations.

Exemptions from development approval

You don’t need development approval if the external photovoltaic panel, heater or cooler complies with relevant provisions (Part 1.3, Division 1.3.1, Section 1.27) of the Planning and Development Regulation 2008, Schedule 1.

Summary

An external photovoltaic panel, solar water heater, air conditioner, evaporative cooler and their support structure  doesn’t need development approval if:

• no part of it is within 1.5m of a side boundary or rear boundary of the block
• if it is mounted on a roof, the distance from the top of the service to the closest point of the roof is not more than 1.5m
• if it is mounted on the ground, no part of the service is between a front boundary and a building line for the block

You should also consider other general exemption criteria that may apply.

Changing the external appearance, material or finish of a building or structure may be subject to other laws, including heritage laws and energy efficiency provisions of building laws (For example replacing an energy efficient heating or cooling system with a less efficient model)

If you are seeking to build on a rural block different exemption rules apply. (See Schedule 1, Part 1.3, Division 1.3.5, Section 1.85 of the regulation).

If you are still unsure whether your development is exempt you should check the regulation or call ACTPLA on 6207 1923.

Exemptions from building approval

You don’t need building approval if the development complies with relevant provisions of the Building (General) Regulation 2008, Schedule 1.

Summary

The development is exempt from needing building approval provided that:

• it is for a class 1 or class 10a building only
• if an airconditioning unit is involved, it is not the main source of ventilation for the room or building where it is installed

General rules for exempt building work

The proposed structure should not adversely affect:

• the structural integrity of any part of a building
• a fire-rated wall, ceiling or floor
• a fire escape, emergency lift, stairway, exit or exit passageway
• the natural light, the ventilation or fire protection system
• the proposed structure should not affect the building in a way that reduces its compliance with the Building Code to below minimum requirements
• erection of the structure should not involve handling asbestos or disturbing friable asbestos.

Domestic solar panels  - installation information

Information for installers

Further information for installers can be found on the industry information page.

For more information on exempt development call ACTPLA on 6207 1923.