Depending on the type and scale of development, development applications may require notification and referral before they can be considered for approval.

Notification requirements

Formal notification of many types of development proposals and other activities affecting land use is required before being considered for approval. Applications that are exempt from notification are listed in schedule 4 of the Land (Planning and Environment) Regulation 1992.

Notification is carried out after a development application has been lodged. Notification can only proceed if an application is complete.

Notification may be undertaken as neighbour notification or public notification.

Neighbour notification

Neighbour notification applies to development applications to erect or alter a single residential dwelling or buildings/structures associated with that building (for example carports and pergolas), unless they are exempt from notification.

Public notification

Public notification applies to development applications other than single residential dwellings and associated buildings or structures and that are not exempt from notification, including dual occupancies, multi-unit developments, lease variations and public facilities.

How notification occurs

Neighbour notification

• begins within 2-4 days of application lodgement
• a written notice is sent to adjacent property owners
• submissions are due within 10 business days

Public notification

• begins within 4-6 days of application lodgement
• a sign is placed on the property
• a written notice is sent to adjacent property owners and to interested parties, such as banks
• a notice is placed in The Canberra Times and in the DA public notification section of the Authority's web site
• submissions are due within 15 business days

Adjacent property owners are those who immediately abut or are directly opposite the property for which the application has been lodged. This means that not everyone in the street will receive a personal letter of notice.

Referral

As part of the assessment process, we may refer your application to other Government agencies and service providers such as the Department of Territory and Municipal Services or ActewAGL for advice. We consider their responses when assessing your application and, if one of the agencies raises major concerns, will arrange joint discussions between you and the agency to resolve them.

Cost of notification

Neighbour notification is free, except where re-notification is required after an amendment has been lodged. The cost of public notification depends on the level of notification required.  

Viewing notified applications and submissions

Copies of notified development applications can be inspected at the Customer Service Centre in Dickson or in the DA public notification section of our web site. For more information read the Consultation and notification brochure.

After notification

Copies of all submissions received are sent to the applicant. This gives the applicant an opportunity to respond to submissions before a decision is made. Copies of submissions are available, along with the application, for public inspection at the Customer Service Centre in Dickson. When assessing a development application, we take into account any submissions received, and any response from the applicant before making a decision. The applicant and anyone who has made a submission will be notified in writing of the decision as well as any rights of appeal.