If you’re considering adding a studio to your Canberra property, there are a few key things to understand before you get started—especially when it comes to zoning, approval requirements, and how a studio differs from a secondary dwelling.

Studios offer a great option for anyone wanting extra space for short-term guest stays, a home office, hobby room, or teenage retreat—without the additional planning complexity that often comes with a habitable second dwelling.

What Is a Studio?

A studio is a non-habitable building, meaning it’s not approved for permanent living. Unlike a secondary residence (granny flat), studios in the ACT can’t include full kitchen or laundry facilities. However, they can have a bathroom (toilet, shower, vanity) and a wet bar with a sink and as much bench space as you like. That means a studio can be extremely functional while remaining compliant with local zoning laws.

Many Canberra homeowners use studios for:

• Short-stay guest accommodation

• Detached home offices

• Creative spaces or music rooms

• Teen retreats or gym spaces

Size and Layout Flexibility

Studios can be up to 90m² in size and may include multiple rooms, such as a bedroom, living area, study, and bathroom. The layout can be customised to suit your needs—whether you want a peaceful workspace or a private guest area that still feels connected to the home.

Studios vs Secondary Dwellings

One of the most important distinctions is zoning. In the ACT, studios are typically approved under Class 10a of the National Construction Code. This classification covers non-habitable buildings like sheds, garages, and garden studios. Because of their classification, studios generally fall outside the definition of a “dwelling”—which under local rules is any building with:

• A kitchen

• A bath or shower

• A toilet

As long as your studio includes only a bathroom and wet bar, it won’t be considered a dwelling, and that often means simpler approvals and fewer zoning restrictions.

Key Compliance Criteria

Although studios are often exempt from requiring a Development Application (DA), there are still specific criteria they need to meet to qualify for that exemption. In the ACT, this is governed by legislation such as the Planning and Development Regulation 2008, particularly Schedule 1, which outlines what can be built without a DA.

Common requirements include:

• Setback rules: Structures generally need to be set back 15 metres from the front boundary.

• Height limits: The height must not exceed 3m along a boundary, and 4m overall.

• Boundary wall size: If the structure is within 1.5m of a side or rear boundary, the total wall length facing that boundary is typically limited to 30m² (e.g. 3m high x 10m long).

• Maximum size: In many suburban areas, a Class 10a structure is limited to 50m², depending on block size and location.

• No building over easements: The structure must not interfere with utility access. If access needs to be maintained (e.g., for stormwater), you may be required to include service-accessible features like a rear roller door.

These regulations help ensure your new space fits comfortably within your property and doesn’t negatively impact neighbours or services.

What If You Don’t Meet the Standard Criteria?

In some cases, if your preferred design doesn’t meet all the exemption rules, you may still have a path forward. Other planning codes—such as the Single Dwelling Housing Code—can sometimes be used to gain approval, depending on your site and project type.

However, if your studio is designed to function more like a full-time living space with all the features of a dwelling (including kitchen and laundry), it will be considered a secondary residence and will require a full development application. That’s a more detailed process, but it can be done—it just comes with more steps and typically a longer approval timeline.

Why Choose a Studio?

If you’re looking to create a high-functioning space on your block for temporary use—and want to avoid the complexity of building a dwelling—a studio may be the perfect fit. With the ability to include a bathroom and wet bar, you can enjoy comfort and privacy for guests, or a productive and quiet space to work or create.

At Acrow Granny Flats & Home Extensions, we help clients across Canberra design and build custom studios that meet both their lifestyle needs and compliance requirements. We’re across local regulations and can walk you through what’s possible on your block.

If you’re considering adding a backyard studio in Canberra—whether it’s a space to work, train, create, or simply unwind—one of the most common questions is: how long will approval take?

The good news? In many cases, studios in the ACT can be approved without needing to lodge a Development Application (DA). That means fewer delays, less red tape, and a smoother path to getting your build started.

Fast-Tracked Approvals: Class 10a Building Certification

Most backyard studios fall under what’s known as a Class 10a building—a classification used for non-habitable structures such as sheds, garages, and many studio types. These can often be certified through a building approval (BA) process, rather than a full DA, provided your project meets the key planning criteria.

In the ACT, this pathway is referred to as exempt from DA under Schedule 1 of the Planning and Development Regulation 2008. This approach allows a certifier to assess and approve your structure more quickly, often within 4 to 6 weeks, rather than the several months it may take for a development application.

What Makes a Studio ‘Non-Habitable’?

Under ACT legislation, a structure is only considered a dwelling (and therefore not DA-exempt) if it includes all of the following:

• A kitchen

• A bathroom or shower

• A toilet

So if your studio includes only a bathroom or wet bar, or is intended for use as a gym, office, retreat, or creative space, it may still qualify as non-habitable—keeping it eligible for the faster approval process.

Key Planning Requirements in the ACT

Even if your project qualifies as DA-exempt, it still needs to meet certain rules relating to size, height, and placement on your block. Some of the important criteria include:

• A maximum floor area of 50m² for structures on blocks larger than 600m²

• A minimum 15m setback from the front boundary

• Height limits: typically no more than 4m overall, and no more than 3m at the boundary

• Specific limitations on wall area and boundary proximity

• The structure must not be built over easements or block access to service infrastructure

Meeting these conditions allows your project to be certified by a private building certifier without needing to involve the local council’s DA process.

What If Your Studio Doesn’t Meet These Criteria?

Not all properties are straightforward, and some projects—especially those with added kitchens or more complex design features—will need to go through a full Development Application process. This typically takes longer (often 4–6 months), but it’s still entirely manageable with the right team guiding you through.

At Acrow, we take care of the entire approvals process for you, from initial site checks to certifier coordination and final sign-off—whether it’s a fast-tracked Class 10a structure or a DA-approved studio with full amenities.

A Smarter Way to Add Space in Canberra

Building a studio is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to create extra space without moving house or embarking on a large renovation. And with the right advice, many Canberra homeowners can get started far sooner than they think.

Want to know if your block qualifies for a DA-exempt studio?
We’re happy to take a look and give you clear advice upfront—no obligations.