Changes to Building Setback Rules
The building setback rules in the NT Planning Scheme have been changed.
The proposed new rules apply to:
- residential buildings* and associated open structures such as carports, pergolas, porticos and shade sails
- garages and
- sheds.
* Residential buildings include a caretaker’s residence, dependant unit, group home, hostel, hotel (where the hotel includes accommodation available to members of the public), motel, multiple dwellings, single dwelling or supporting accommodation.
The building setback changes provide:
- details of the method of measuring the setback
- consistent setback rules for all urban areas - there will no longer be separate requirements for Alice Springs
- 6 metre front setback for one and two storey residential buildings
- that taller buildings will be sited further from the street boundary
- that residential buildings of similar height are treated in the same way
- that a carport, pergola or a shade sail over existing car parking in a multiple dwelling development does not require planning approval if the siting requirements are met
- that small sheds do not require planning approval if the siting requirements are met
- a reduction in the setback rules for sheds on rural lots with a site area less than one hectare
- setback requirements for garages and sheds.
The NT Planning Scheme document will be updated with these changes and available early in 2010.