Residential setbacks in zones MR and HR

A setback is the distance between a lot boundary and a building or structure.

The distance a building has to be set back depends on which boundary it is adjacent to.

Primary or secondary setbacks typically face a public street. Side or rear setbacks join other lot boundaries (usually neighbouring properties).

The primary street is generally the street that is wider or carries the most traffic.

Benefits

Providing suitable setbacks:

• creates a physical separation between residences
• helps establish the character of the street and neighbourhood
• provides opportunities for onsite landscaping, and private and communal open space.

Rules and conditions

Residential buildings in zones MR (Medium Density Residential) and HR (High Density Residential) must provide setbacks based on rules of the NT Planning Scheme 2020.

The first 4 levels of a residential building must be set back 6m from the primary street, and 9m for levels 5 and above. The setbacks to any secondary street, side or rear boundary also increase once a building reaches 5 levels and higher.

More information

To find out more, read the guidance note for residential setbacks in Zones MR and HR PDF (559.1 KB) under clause 5.4.3 of the NT Planning Scheme PDF (3.3 MB).