NT Planning Scheme 2020

Strategic framework: policies and land use plans

This page lists the strategic policies and strategic land use plans contained within part 2 of the Northern Territory (NT) Planning Scheme 2020 PDF (400.5 KB).

These policies and plans are taken into account by the minister for planning and the Development Consent Authority when they make planning decisions.

Read more about how the strategic framework works.

Strategic planning policies

Read the NT compact urban growth policy PDF (493.6 KB).

Strategic land use plans

Strategic land use plans are listed below by region.


Referenced documents: guidelines


Understand the NT Planning Scheme

The Northern Territory (NT) Planning Scheme is the 'rule book' for land use and development in the NT.

It is a legal document used by government, councils, industry and the community.

It contains maps, rules, policies and documents that guide what can be built where.

The planning scheme can be complex and confusing for non-technical users.

If you need help, speak to a planner or a private planning consultant for advice.

What the planning scheme covers

The planning scheme does the following:

  • describes how land use may change to meet future needs
  • identifies factors and risks that could affect land use - eg flooding
  • sets controls that allow, prohibit or put conditions on land use
  • provides guidance to help consent authorities make decisions
  • states the level of flexibility allowed for decisions about development applications.

What is in the planning scheme

The NT Planning Scheme has four main parts:

  • strategic framework - made up of strategic policies and plans that guide changes to land use
  • overlays - that identify and give special rules for factors that could affect land use
  • zones - that control the types of use and development allowed in an area
  • development and subdivision requirements - provide direction on how a use or development should look or operate.

These parts work together to guide how development happens in the NT.

For individual development proposals, these parts tell you:

  • if you need planning permission
  • your assessment category and what gets considered during assessment
  • the planning requirements you need to meet.

More information

Read more about how these components work together in part one of the NT Planning Scheme.


Amendments to the NT Planning Scheme 2020

This page lists changes that have been made to the Northern Territory Planning Scheme (NTPS) 2020.

The reasons for decisions are included in the documentation that amends the scheme.

Read more about how to amend the NT Planning Scheme.

Find planning scheme amendment proposals that are currently on exhibition on the Development Applications Online website.

List of amendments

Amendments to the scheme are listed below.

Table data updated:
Amendment number and document File reference Description Publisher Publication date
Amendment PA2020/0031 PDF (135.6 KB) PA2020/0031

Repeals the entire NT Planning Scheme and substitutes it with the NT Planning Scheme 2020.

NT News 31/07/2020
Amendment 69 PDF (91.8 KB) PA2022/0452

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by amending Schedule 3 (Exceptions) to allow for residential development associated with the Remote Housing Program to be exempt through to 30 June 2030, provided it is located within a residential zone or within a zone that allows for the use to be established.

NT Government website 31/03/2023
Amendment 3 PDF (114.6 KB) PA2020/0323

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 for minor alterations to strategic Land Use Plans.

NT News 30/10/2020
Amendment 4 PDF (812.4 KB) PA2020/0259

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone part NT Portion 1646 Townsite of Ngukurr:

  • from Zone PS (Public Open Space) and Zone CP (Community Purposes)
  • to Zone C (Commercial) and change the Ngukurr Area Plan to reflect this rezoning.
NT Government website 30/10/2020
Amendment 6 PDF (51.6 KB) PA2020/0394

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to alter schedule 3 (exceptions) to allow for the temporary use of Lot 9200 Town of Nightcliff for the purpose of a shop until 21 October 2022.

NT News 30/10/2020
Amendment 90 PDF (896.7 KB) PA2023/0272

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to include an exception in Schedule 3 to allow clearing of native vegetation associated with rehabilitation at the former Rum Jungle Mine site.

NT Government website 29/09/2023
Amendment 81 PDF (1.9 MB) PA2022/0389

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to introduce New Location Specific Development Requirements.

NT Government website 29/07/2023
Amendment 56 PDF (97.7 KB) PA2022/0091

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by amending the Berrimah Farm planning principles and area plan.

NT Government website 29/07/2022
Amendment 5 PDF (258.0 KB) PA2020/0441

Amends the NT Planning Scheme to introduce new overlay 3.11 (RCFR – Rapid Creek Flood Response).

NT Government website 29/01/2021
Amendment 7 PDF (458.2 KB) PA2020/0375

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to correct minor drafting errors.

NT News 27/11/2020
Amendment 22 PDF (114.3 KB) PA2020/0396

Amends the NT Planning Scheme to update the Litchfield Subregional Land Use Plan policy document – Gunn Point.

NT Government website 27/08/2021
Amendment 45 PDF (2.4 MB) PA2022/0093

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by:

  • introducing specific use zone, SP1 into schedule 4 of NTPS 2020 and
  • rezone lot 15460 Town of Palmerston (Zuccoli) from SP9 to new Specific Use Zone, SP1.
NT Government website 27/05/2022
Amendment 43 PDF (1.4 MB) PA2021/0336

Amends the NT Planning Scheme by rezoning Lot 7880 Hundred of Bagot:

  • from Zone RL (Rural Living)
  • to Zone RR (Rural Residential) and subdivision to create 5 lots.
NT Government website 27/05/2022
Amendment 25 PDF (686.1 KB) PA2019/0190

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning lot 1768 Town of Nightcliff (15 Francis Street Millner):

  • from Zone LR (Low Density Residential)
  • to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential).
NT Government website 26/11/2021
Amendment 11 PDF (1.4 MB) PA2021/0027

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning lots 1257,1258 & 1259 Town of Nightcliff (1 Brooks Place, 37 Rapid Creek Road & 14 Aldridge Place, Millner):

  • from Zone LR (Low Density Residential)
  • to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential), and apply Overlay 3.11 RCFR (Rapid Creek Flood Response).
NT Government website 26/02/2021
Amendment 78 PDF (565.7 KB) PA2022/0426

Amends the NT Planning Scheme by rezoning Lot 678 (7) Wills Terrace, Town of Alice Springs from Zone PS (Public Open Space) to Zone CP (Community Purpose), and replacing Table A to Clause 5.2.1 (Height Control in Alice Springs).

NT Government website 26/01/2024
Amendment 91 PDF (1.0 MB) PA2023/0317

Amends the NT Planning Scheme to introduce a new Building Setback Plan for Lot 1353 Town of Nightcliff (42 Chapman Road, Rapid Creek).

NT Government website 26/01/2024
Amendment 66 PDF (761.6 KB) PA2022/0154

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning part of NT Portion 2079 and administrative lots 332 – 362 (inclusive) Townsite of Hermannsburg, Hermannsburg NT, from Zone FD (Future Development) to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential.

NT Government website 25/11/2022
Amendment 62 PDF (484.8 KB) PA2022/0059

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning Lot 1 and 2 Hundred of Bagot (45 and 55 Girraween Road, Howard Springs) from Zone RL (Rural Living) to Zone RR (Rural Residential) to facilitate subdivision to create 4 lots.

NT Government website 25/11/2022
Amendment 24 PDF (729.0 KB) PA2021/0055

Amends the NT Planning Scheme to rezone lots 1841, 1842 and 1843 Hundred of Bagot:

  • from Zone CV (Caravan Parks)
  • to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) and PS (Public Open Space).
NT Government website 24/09/2021
Amendment 85 PDF (78.2 KB) PA2023/0190

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to include an exemption in Schedule 3 to allow temporary demountable structures at the Darwin Correctional Precinct until 30 June 2028.

NT Government website 23/06/2023
Amendment 70 PDF (579.1 KB) PA2022/0376

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning Lot 3060 Town of Darwin from Zone LR (Low Density Residential) to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential).

NT Government website 22/12/2022
Amendment 68 PDF (645.8 KB) PA2022/0302

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning lot 3062 Town of Darwin from Zone LR (Low Density residential) to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential).

NT Government website 22/12/2022
Amendment 27 PDF (1.8 MB) PA2021/0180

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone part lot 12448 (proposed lots 15468– 15601) Town of Palmerston:

  • from Zone FD (Future Development)
  • to Zones LR (Low Density Residential) and LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) (Zuccoli Aspire Precinct C)
NT Government website 22/10/2021
Amendment 46 PDF (1.5 MB) PA2022/0050

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning NT Portion 7879, Kilgariff, Alice Springs:

  • from Zone FD (Future Development)
  • to Zone LR (Low Density Residential), Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) and Zone PS (Public Open Space)
NT Government website 22/07/2022
Amendment 15 PDF (221.2 KB) PA2020/0412

Amends the NT Planning Scheme by rezoning lot 2975 Town of Darwin (15 Goldsmith Street, Fannie Bay):

  • from Zone LR (Low Density Residential)
  • to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) and subdivide into two lots.
NT Government website 21/05/2021
Amendment 19 PDF (133.6 KB) PA2021/0160

Amends the NT Planning Scheme by amending schedule 3 (exceptions) to allow for Lake Bennett Resort to be used in accordance with existing development permits.

NT Government website 21/05/2021
Amendment 31 PDF (643.6 KB) PA2021/0320

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone administrative Lot 169, Townsite of Ali Curung from Zone C (Commercial) to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) and amend the Ali Curung Area Plan to the extent of the rezoning.

NT Government website 21/01/2022
Amendment 76 PDF (503.5 KB) PA2023/0031

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone Lot 34 Hundred of Bagot from Zone RL (Rural Living) to Zone RR (Rural Residential) and subdivide to create 3 lots.

NT Government website 20/10/2023
Amendment 50 PDF (75.5 KB) PA2022/0151

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by amending schedule 3 (exceptions) to allow for the temporary installation of a skyline precinct (observation wheel and associated activations including mini-golf) at Stokes Hill Wharf from 1 June to 11 November 2022.

NT Government website 20/05/2022
Amendment 104 PDF (650.2 KB) PA2024/0041

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning part Lot 12432 Town of Palmerston from Zone FD (Future Development) to Zone PS (Public Open Space).

NT Government website 19/04/2024
Amendment 12 PDF (253.3 KB) PA2021/0029

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning lot 15251 Town of Palmerston from Zone FD (Future Development) to Zone CP (Community Purpose).

NT Government website 19/03/2021
Amendment 29 PDF (3.8 MB) PA2021/0294

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by:

  • amending clause 5.4.3 (building setbacks of residential buildings and ancillary structures) and clause 5.4.3.3 (reduced setbacks for dwellings-single) and
  • introducing schedule 9 (building setback plans), and including various building setback plans within the schedule.
NT Government website 17/12/2021
Amendment 92 PDF (1.2 MB) PA2023/0288

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to introduce a new Overlay to regulate development from encroaching into helicopter flightpaths at Royal Darwin Hospital.

NT Government website 17/11/2023
Amendment 23 PDF (751.1 KB) PA2021/0048

Amends the NT Planning Scheme to rezone lot 5985 Town of Darwin (19 Lambell Tce, Larrakeyah):

  • from Zone CP (Community Purpose)
  • to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential).
NT Government website 17/09/2021
Amendment 67 PDF (330.2 KB) PA2021/0254

Amend the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to:

  • introduce an overlay to part 3
  • omit and replace parts 4 and 5 and
  • amend schedule 2

Planning reform phase 2 stage 1.

NT Government website 17/02/2023
Amendment 2 PDF (289.2 KB) PA2019/0341

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to allow fully compliant dwellings defined ‘dwelling – group’ or ‘dwelling – multiple’ to be developed without consent in major remote towns.

NT News 16/10/2020
Amendment 13 PDF (1.0 MB) PA2021/0045

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning Lots 15285-15332 Town of Palmerston:

  • from Zone FD (Future Development)
  • to Zone LR (Low Density Residential), LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) and PS (Public Open Space) (Zuccoli Aspire Stage 6A).
NT Government website 16/04/2021
Amendment 10 PDF (162.1 KB) PA2020/0349

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to include the Central Palmerston Area Plan in Part Two – Strategic Framework, and consequential changes to ‘Palmerston Eastern Suburbs Planning Principles and Area Plan’.

NT Government website 16/04/2021
Amendment 93 PDF (758.1 KB) PA2023/0175

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone Lot 3064 Town of Darwin from Zone LR (Low Density Residential) to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential).

NT Government website 15/12/2023
Amendment 95 PDF (564.1 KB) PA2023/0343

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone Part NT Portion 1646 from Unzoned Land, Zone FD (Future Development), Zone PS (Public Open Space) and Zone C (Commercial) to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) (Gapuwiyak Area Plan).

NT Government website 15/12/2023
Amendment 26 PDF (82.4 KB) PA2021/0357

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by amending schedule 3 (exceptions) to allow the temporary use of Portion 1263 Hundred of Bagot (Charles Darwin National Park), Portions 2346, 2347, 2348, 2349, 2236, 1764, 1765 Hundred of Bagot, and Sections 6196 and 6210 Hundred of Bagot for ‘leisure and recreation’ (Side by Side Vehicle tours and storage) until 15 October 2022, subject to compliance with all other NT Legislation.

NT Government website 15/10/2021
Amendment 86 PDF (2.2 MB) PA2023/0211

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone part Lot 12432 Town of Palmerston from Zone FD (Future Development) to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) and Zone PS (Public Open Space) (Zuccoli Aspire), and include a new setback plan into Schedule 9.

NT Government website 15/09/2023
Amendment 44 PDF (676.4 KB) PA2022/0079

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning:

  • part Lot 12432 Town of Palmerston from Zone FD (Future Development) to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) and PS (Public Open Space) and
  • Lot 14859 Town of Palmerston from Zone FD (Future Development) to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) (Zuccoli Aspire 3A, 3B and 3C).
NT Government website 15/04/2022
Amendment 58 PDF (657.3 KB) PA2022/0223

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by:

  • rezoning sections 7349 and 7658 to 7660 Hundred of Bagot from Zone MR (Medium Density Residential) and Zone FD (Future Development) to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) and PS (Public Open Space) and
  • subdivision to create 21 lots.
NT Government website 15/02/2023
Amendment 65 PDF (1.0 MB) PA2022/0258

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning part lot 9370 Town of Nightcliff from Zone FD (Future Development) to Zone LR (Low Density Residential, Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential), Zone RR (Rural Residential), Zone PS (Public Open Space) and Zone SU (Specific Use Zone), and introducing a new Building Setback Plan into Schedule 9.

NT Government website 14/10/2022
Amendment 87 PDF (1.6 MB) PA2023/0205

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone part Lot 3333 Town of Katherine from Zone FD (Future Development) to Zone LR (Low Density Residential), Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) and Zone PS (Public Open Space).

NT Government website 14/07/2023
Amendment 83 PDF (538.5 KB) PA2020/0451

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone part section 6003 Hundred of Bagot from Zone DV (Development) to Zone U (Utilities), and part section 7793 Hundred of Bagot from Zone DV (Development) to Zone U (Utilities) and Zone U (Utilities) to Zone DV (Development).

NT Government website 14/07/2023
Amendment 14 PDF (2.3 MB) PA2021/0090

Amends the NT Planning Scheme to rezone part lot 790, Town of Borroloola (Garawa 2):

  • from Zone PS (Public Open Space)
  • to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) to facilitate subdivision.
NT Government website 14/05/2021
Amendment 79 PDF (960.0 KB) PA2023/0099

Amends Clause 5.7.2 animal related use (animal boarding and stables) of the NTPS 2020.

NT Government website 14/04/2023
Amendment 40 PDF (1.0 MB) PA2021/0128

Amends the NT Planning Scheme by rezoning Section 2980 Hundred of Bagot:

  • from Zone RL (Rural Living)
  • to Zone RR (Rural Residential) and Zone FD (Future Development) and subdivision to create 3 lots.

Minor consequential amendment to the Howard Springs Rural Activity Centre Area Plan.

NT Government website 13/05/2022
Amendment 51 PDF (1.3 MB) PA2022/0160

Administrative amendments to the NT Planning Scheme 2020.

NT Government website 13/01/2023
Amendment 30 PDF (565.8 KB) PA2021/0346

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone part NT portion 1632 Townsite of Angurugu from Zone PS (Public Open Space) and LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) to Zone CP (Community Purpose) and amend the Angurugu Area Plan to the extent of the rezoning.

NT Government website 12/11/2021
Amendment 80 PDF (76.0 KB) PA2023/0130

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by amending Schedule 3 (Exceptions), to allow for temporary installation of skyline precinct (observation wheel and associated activations including mini-golf) at Stokes Hill Wharf until 22 October 2023

NT Government website 12/05/2023
Amendment 34 PDF (148.9 KB) PA2021/0432

Amends Part 6 of the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to require a site and soil evaluation report to be prepared where no reticulated sewerage is available.

NT Government website 11/03/2022
Amendment 39 PDF (1.4 MB) PA2022/0003

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone part NT portion 1646 Townsite of Ramingining:

  • from Zone PS (Public Open Space)
  • to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) and
  • amend the Ramingining Area Plan to the extent of the rezoning.
NT Government website 11/02/2022
Amendment 32 PDF (690.5 KB) PA2021/0197

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone Lot 3017 Town of Katherine (40 Giles Street) from Zone OR (Organised Recreation) and Zone PS (Public Open Space) to Zone TC (Tourist Commercial).

NT Government website 10/12/2021
Amendment 88 PDF (293.4 KB) PA2023/0320

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to introduce a new Building Setback plan for Lot 1350 Town of Nightcliff.

NT Government website 10/11/2023
Amendment 74 PDF (1.2 MB) PA2022/0427

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning Part NT Portion 1632 (administrative lot 252) Townsite of Umbakumba from Zone U (Utilities) to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) and amend the Umbakumba Area Plan.

NT Government website 10/03/2023
Amendment 60 PDF (483.2 KB) PA2022/0224

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning Part NT Portion 1632 Townsite of Umbakumba from Zone PS (Public Open Space) and Unzoned Land to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) and amend the Umbakumba Area Plan.

NT Government website 10/03/2023
Amendment 8 PDF (1.3 MB) PA2020/0119

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to include the Coolalinga and Freds Pass Rural Activity Centre Area Plan.

NT Government website 10/03/2023
Amendment 73 PDF (1.3 MB) PA2022/0430

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning Part Lot 12433 Town of Palmerston from Zone FD (Future Development) to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential), Zone C (Commercial) and Zone PS (Public Open Space) (Zuccoli Aspire 4D) and include a new setback plan into Schedule 9.

NT Government website 10/02/2023
Amendment 54 PDF (2.3 MB) PA2022/0122

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone Lot 2023 Town of Darwin from Zone SC (Service Commercial) to Zone MR (Medium Density Residential).

NT Government website 09/09/2022
Amendment 82 PDF (86.4 KB) PA2023/0123

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by amending Schedule 3 (Exceptions), to extend the temporary use of demountable structures for transitional housing in the Town of Borroloola and adjacent Townsite of Mara.

NT Government website 09/06/2023
Amendment 99 PDF (623.4 KB) PA2023/0344

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning part NT Portion 1646 Townsite of Maningrida, from Zone FD (Future Development) to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density residential), and from Unzoned Land to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) and Zone PS (Public Open Space).

NT Government website 09/02/2024
Amendment 84 PDF (860.6 KB) PA2023/0318

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone 2 parts of Section 4425 Hundred of Bagot from Zone R (Rural Living) to Zone CP (Community Purpose) and one part of Section 4425 Hundred of Bagot from Zone CP (Community Purpose) to Zone R (Rural Living).

NT Government website 08/12/2023
Amendment 41 PDF (1.3 MB) PA2022/0082

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning part section 5875 Hundred of Bagot from Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) to Zone PS (Public Open Space).

NT Government website 08/04/2022
Amendment 64 PDF (129.0 KB) PA2022/0164

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by introducing an overlay to allow greater residential density in Zone LR in the Katherine East Locality.

NT Government website 07/10/2022
Amendment 77 PDF (90.4 KB) PA2023/0064

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by amending schedule 3 (Exceptions) to allow for mobile food and drink premises on public land.

NT Government website 07/04/2023
Amendment 35 PDF (1.3 MB) PA2021/0438

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone part NT portion 1637 (Administrative Lots 843-849 Townsite of Wadeye):

  • from Zone PS (Public Open Space)
  • to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential), and amend the Wadeye Area Plan to the extent of the rezoning.
NT Government website 07/01/2022
Amendment 36 PDF (1.4 MB) PA2021/0434

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone Part Lot 5803 Town of Darwin (54 Cavenagh Street) and Part Lot 5804 Town of Darwin (58 Cavenagh Street):

  • from Zone CB (Central Business) and Zone PM (Proposed Main Road)
  • to Zone PM (Proposed Main Road) and Zone CB (Central Business).
NT Government website 07/01/2022
Amendment 37 PDF (1.3 MB) PA2021/0444

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone section 50 and part section 116 Hundred of Bray, Mandorah from Zone RL (Rural Living) & Zone R (Rural) to Zone M (Main Road).

NT Government website 07/01/2022
Amendment 33 PDF (813.4 KB) PA2021/0429

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 (Clause 1.3 – Exceptions) to exempt the development of lots 26, 27, 30, 31, 32, 33, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 Town of Kalkarindji for the purposes of dwellings-single.

NT Government website 06/12/2021
Amendment 28 PDF (1.2 MB) PA2021/0228

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to rezone lots 6892 – 6911 Hundred of Bagot (Nightjar Road, Howard Springs) from SL 11 (NTPS 2007) to SL 1 (NTPS 2020).

NT Government website 06/12/2021
Amendment 21 PDF (1.9 MB) PA2021/0159

Administrative amendments to the NT Planning Scheme 2020.

NT Government website 06/08/2021
Amendment 61 PDF (1.4 MB) PA2022/0252

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by amending the building setback plan relating to Boulter Road, Parkside Berrimah in schedule 9 (building setback plans).

NT Government website 05/08/2022
Amendment 98 PDF (1015.1 KB) PA2023/0369

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning part Lot 12433 Town of Palmerston from Zone FD (Future Development) to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) and Zone PS (Public Open Space).

NT Government website 05/04/2024
Amendment 9 PDF (213.8 KB) PA2020/0438

Amends the NT Planning Scheme by rezoning Part Section 7349 Hundred of Bagot (Makagon rd, Berrimah):

  • from Zone FD (Future Development)
  • to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential).
NT Government website 05/02/2021
Amendment 72 PDF (77.8 KB) PA2022/0484

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to amend Schedule 3 (Exceptions), to allow for the use of Section 6128 Hundred of Bagot (Manigurr-Ma – Centre for National Resilience) for temporary accommodation until 30 June 2031.

NT Government website 04/07/2023
Amendment 42 PDF (38.8 KB) PA2022/0011

Amends the NT Planning Scheme to:

  • introduce the Holtze to Elizabeth River Subregional Land Use Plan and
  • make consequential updates to the Litchfield Subregional Lands Use Plan and Darwin Regional Land Use Plan.
NT Government website 04/07/2022
Amendment 20 PDF (99.1 KB) PA2021/0166

Amends the NT Planning Scheme by amending schedule 3 (exceptions) to allow for the temporary installation of an observation wheel at Stokes Hill Wharf.

NT Government website 04/06/2021
Amendment 16 PDF (571.7 KB) PA2021/0047

Amends the NT Planning Scheme by:

  • rezoning Lot 7651 (25 Gilruth Avenue, The Gardens) Town of Darwin and
  • adjoining vacant Crown land from Zone PS (Public Open Space) to Zone TC (Tourist Commercial) and from Zone TC (Tourist Commercial) to Zone PS (Public Open Space).
NT Government website 04/06/2021
Amendment 47 PDF (687.0 KB) PA2022/0020

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning lots 2533, 2534, 2536, 2537, 2538, 2539 and 2540, (24, 26, 27, 29, 33, 35 and 37) Chittock Crescent and lots 2541, 2542, 2543 and 2544 (2, 3, 4 and 5) Managaji Road, Town of Tennant Creek:

  • from Zone LR (Low Density Residential)
  • to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential).
NT Government website 03/06/2022
Amendment 49 PDF (1.3 MB) PA2022/0140

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning Lot 14481 Town of Palmerston from Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential) to Zone PS (Public Open Space).

NT Government website 03/06/2022
Amendment 52 PDF (1.4 MB) PA2022/0081

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning part Section 4106 Hundred of Bagot from Zone RR (Rural Residential) to Zone PS (Public Open Space).

NT Government website 03/06/2022
Amendment 71 PDF (565.3 KB) PA2022/0306

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning part Lot 8898 from Zone MR (Medium Density Residential) to Zone CP (Community Purpose).

NT Government website 03/02/2023
Amendment 1 PDF (515.5 KB) PA2020/0252

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to correct minor drafting errors.

NT News 02/10/2020
Amendment 63 PDF (75.2 KB) PA2022/0271

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to introduce a new exception to schedule 3 to allow for development associated with the Tiwi Islands road upgrade program.

NT Government website 02/09/2022
Amendment 59 PDF (487.3 KB) PA2021/0446

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by rezoning lot 3119 Town of Katherine from Zone SC (Service Commercial) to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential).

NT Government website 02/09/2022
Amendment 94 PDF (73.2 KB) PA2023/0195

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 by increasing the maximum floor area of Independent Dwellings in Urban Zones.

NT Government website 01/12/2023
Amendment 18 PDF (550.8 KB) PA2020/0414

Amends the NT Planning Scheme by rezoning Lot 89 Town of Tennant Creek (5 Noble Street, Tennant Creek):

  • from Zone C (Commercial)
  • to Zone LMR (Low-Medium Density Residential)
NT Government website 01/10/2021
Amendment 89 PDF (2.1 MB) PA2023/0230

Amends the NT Planning Scheme 2020 to introduce a new Building Setback Plan for Northcrest stages 2B and 3D.

NT Government website 01/09/2023
Amendment 53 PDF (84.0 KB) PA2022/0167

Amends the NT Planning Scheme to allow for development associated with the Remote Housing Program to be exempt from clause 3.6 - land subject to flooding.

NT Government website 01/07/2022
Amendment 48 PDF (942.3 KB) PA2022/0141

Amends the NT Planning Scheme by rezoning part Section 7914 Hundred of Bagot from Zone SC to a Specific Use Zone.

NT Government website 01/07/2022
Amendment 57 PDF (863.9 KB) PA2022/0221

Amends the NT Planning Scheme by amending schedule 3 (exceptions) to extend the temporary use of demountable structures for transitional housing in the Town of Borroloola and adjacent Townsite of Mara.

NT Government website 01/07/2022
Amendment 38 PDF (604.9 KB) PA2021/0309

Amends the NT Planning Scheme by rezoning Lot 1238 Town of Tennant Creek from Zone GI (General Industry) to Zone CP (Community Purpose), Zone LI (Light Industry) and Zone CN (Conservation) and subdivide into 4 lots.

NT Government website 01/04/2022
Amendment 100 PDF (869.2 KB) PA2024/0027

Administrative amendments to the NT Planning Scheme 2020.

NT Government website 01/03/2024

Previous planning schemes

To read the planning rules before the introduction of the NTPS 2020, read about the previous scheme.


NT Planning Scheme 2007

The NT Planning Scheme 2007 was the previous planning scheme for the Territory.

The documents in this section represent the NT Planning Scheme 2007 as in force on 30 July 2020.

To understand how the scheme changed since its introduction on 1 February 2007, read the amendments to the NT Planning Scheme 2007.

For planning controls before 1 February 2007, you can contact a planner.

Read the NT Planning Scheme 2007

NT Planning Scheme 2007 PDF (64.1 MB) - This is a large document and will take a while to download. Individual sections, linked below, will download much quicker.

The scheme needs to be read alongside referenced documents such as land use policies, guidelines and zoning maps.

Individual scheme sections

Instead of downloading the full NT Planning Scheme, you can get individual sections below:

Table of contents PDF (276.2 KB)

User guide to the Northern Territory Planning Scheme PDF (63.8 MB)

Part 1 PDF (319.9 KB) - including application of the planning schemes, exceptions and definitions

Part 2 PDF (3.7 MB) - planning principles and framework

Part 3 PDF (607.1 KB) - zones and zone purpose

Part 4 PDF (1.2 MB) - performance criteria for general, residential, commercial, industrial and non-urban use and development

Part 5 PDF (257.5 KB) - subdivision

Part 6 PDF (221.4 KB) - Aboriginal communities and towns

Part 7 PDF (316.4 KB) - transport and infrastructure

Part 8 PDF (47.3 MB) - area plans

Schedule

Schedule 1: schedule to clause 2.4 specific uses PDF (6.7 MB) - specific use zones and the associated special provisions

Schedule 2: schedule to clause 2.7 reference to policy PDF (64.2 KB) - policies that the consent authority must take into account when making a decision on an application.

Schedule 3: schedule to clause 2.8 reference to guidelines PDF (119.7 KB) - guidelines that all applicants must consider and that the consent authority must take into account when making a decision

Schedule 4: schedule to clause 12.1 Aboriginal community living areas PDF (243.3 KB) - parcels of land which are Aboriginal community living areas by law

Schedule 5: schedule to clause 12.2 towns on Aboriginal land PDF (197.0 KB) - parcels of land identified as towns on Aboriginal land for which specific use rights apply

Schedule 6: schedule to clause 1.3 sub-clause 2(l) exceptions PDF (197.5 KB) - parcels of land exempt from normal NT Planning Scheme requirements due to the continued use of a community or government facility established prior to 1 February 2007

Background material PDF (233.4 KB) - background material used in the development of the NT Planning Scheme

Zoning matrix PDF (422.9 KB) - an overview of the uses allowed in each zone

Amendments to the NT Planning Scheme 2007

Read the list of amendments to the NT Planning Scheme 2007.

Other references

Read the list of policies and guidelines referenced in the NT Planning Scheme 2007.

The following are policies listed under schedule 2: schedule to clause 2.7 of the Northern Territory (NT) Planning Scheme 2007.

All of the NT

NT compact urban growth policy 2015 PDF (145.0 KB)

Alice Springs

Alice Springs regional land use plan 2016 (amended 2019) PDF (23.1 MB)

Coomalie and Finniss

Coomalie planning concepts and land use objectives 2000 PDF (4.1 MB)

Finniss planning concepts and land use objectives 2002 PDF (16.0 MB)

Darwin

Central Darwin area plan PDF (40.9 MB)

Darwin regional land use plan 2015 PDF (31.7 MB) and study area and land use structures PDF (2.6 MB)

Darwin inner suburbs area plan 2016 PDF (10.3 MB)

Darwin mid suburbs area plan 2016 PDF (10.9 MB)

Capital city charter PDF (1.9 MB)

Katherine

Katherine land use plan 2014 (amended 2020) PDF (10.8 MB)

Katherine east area plan PDF (16.2 MB)

Litchfield

Litchfield subregional land use plan - electronic version PDF (20.5 MB) - high quality maps with detailed layers

Litchfield subregional land use plan - printable version PDF (34.4 MB).

Palmerston

Durack Master Plan

These documents are referred to in the Northern Territory Planning Scheme section on Palmerston (SP8).

Open space overlay PDF (1.7 MB)

Landscape guiding principles 1 PDF (6.5 MB)

Landscape guiding principles 2 PDF (5.2 MB)

Housing design principles 1 PDF (89.5 KB)

Housing design principles 2 PDF (1.4 MB)

Housing design principles 3 PDF (231.8 KB)

Housing design principles 4 PDF (1.6 MB)

Housing design principles 5 PDF (498.0 KB)

Housing design principles 6 PDF (246.4 KB)

Housing design principles 7 PDF (1.8 MB)

Housing design principles 8 PDF (1.5 MB)

Housing design principles 9 PDF (246.2 KB)

Housing design principles 10 PDF (1.5 MB)

Housing design principles 11 PDF (229.2 KB)

Housing location principles PDF (1005.8 KB)

Climate principles PDF (944.6 KB)

Tennant Creek

Tennant Creek land use plan (amended 2019) PDF (10.7 MB)

The following are background materials listed in the Northern Territory Planning Scheme 2007.

Berrimah north

Berrimah north drainage study PDF (21.4 MB)

Berrimah north stormwater quality management plan PDF (22.1 MB)

Central Darwin area plan

Central Darwin area plan needs assessment PDF (5.5 MB)

Darwin city master plan

For information about the Darwin city centre master plan, go to the City of Darwin website.

Darwin inner suburbs

Darwin inner suburbs plan needs assessment PDF (10.9 MB)

Darwin mid suburbs area plan needs assessment PDF (9.2 MB)

Durack master plan supporting documents

These documents are listed as background material in the notes related to Palmerston (SP8).

Housing affordability PDF (33.2 KB)

Moderate income price points PDF (34.0 KB)

Geotechnical assessment 1 PDF (11.8 MB)

Geotechnical assessment 2 PDF (4.2 MB)

Shared access way details PDF (5.8 MB)

Stormwater drainage strategy PDF (5.8 MB)

Traffic assessment PDF (5.6 MB)

Katherine east area plan

Katherine east area plan - needs assessment PDF (14.7 MB)

Superseded control plans (town plans)

Aboriginal community living area control plans - listed at schedule 4 of the Northern Territory Planning Scheme

Alice Springs town plan 1992 PDF (1.2 MB)

Alice Springs (south west districts) rural area plan 1988 PDF (47.4 KB)

Batchelor town plan 1981 PDF (142.1 KB)

Borroloola town plan 1984 PDF (225.4 KB)

Brewer Estate control plan 1990 PDF (18.9 KB)

Crab Claw Island control plan 1998 PDF (123.9 KB)

Darwin rural area plan 1983 PDF (1.1 MB)

Darwin town plan 1990 PDF (2.9 MB)

Development provisions Lake Bennett locality 2005 PDF (139.5 KB)

East Arm control plan 1998 PDF (20.9 KB)

Highways control plan 1984 PDF (284.6 KB)

Katherine rural area plan 1988 PDF (163.5 KB)

Katherine town plan 1981 PDF (580.2 KB)

Kings Canyon Wilderness Resort town plan 1987 PDF (25.0 KB)

Litchfield area plan 2004 PDF (5.4 MB)

Namarada area plan 1990 PDF (446.4 KB)

Palmerston town plan 1982 PDF (2.0 MB)

Pine Creek Highway management plan PDF (24.0 KB)

Tennant Creek control plan 1998 PDF (566.7 KB)

Town of Pellew control plan 1985 PDF (33.9 KB)

Superseded land use objectives, guidelines and concept plans

Alice Springs central area land use objectives and planning concepts (1996) PDF (6.2 MB)

Alice Springs structure plan 1999 and land use objectives PDF (8.6 MB)

AustralAsia Railway (NT Corridor) land use objectives (1996) PDF (1.5 MB)

Borroloola planning concepts and land use objectives (2001) PDF (3.6 MB)

Central Darwin land use objectives (1996) PDF (392.8 KB)

Central Darwin planning concepts and development opportunities (1996) PDF (6.5 MB)

Central Darwin planning concepts and land use objectives (1999) PDF (12.5 MB)

Cox Peninsula land use structure plan (1990) PDF (21.7 MB)

Darwin regional land use structure plan (1990) PDF (38.6 MB)

Darwin regional retail study (Jebb Holland Dimasi) (June 1995) PDF (9.0 MB)

Design guide for residential and commercial development in the Northern Territory (2000) PDF (2.1 MB)

Finnis land use structure plan (1990) PDF (26.7 MB)

Gunn Point Peninsula land use structure plan (1990) PDF (10.9 MB)

Katherine land use structure plan (1991) PDF (27.3 MB)

Katherine planning concepts and land use objectives (2001) PDF (8.5 MB)

Land in the vicinity of Darwin airport land use objectives (1997) PDF (41.9 KB)

Litchfield planning concepts and land use objectives 2002 PDF (21.0 MB)

Litchfield land use structure plan (1990) PDF (28.0 MB)

Litchfield district centres land use concept plans 1992 PDF (14.0 MB)

Mandorah land use concept plan (1990) PDF (13.7 MB)

Mataranka planning concepts and land use objectives (2001) PDF (3.1 MB)

Mt Johns Valley land use objectives and planning concepts (1996) PDF (16.0 MB)

Murrumujuk land use concept plan (1990) PDF (7.7 MB)

Pine Creek planning concepts and land use objectives (2001) PDF (7.8 MB)

Rapid Creek planning concepts and land use objectives (2000) PDF (4.8 MB)

Contact

For more information about the background material listed on this page, contact Lands Planning.