As a home owner it is in your interest to keep an eye on building developments in your area. You should review and comment on developments that may impact you. In Canberra home owners are only required to be notified when there is a Development Application lodged for a neighbouring property. You can use PlanningAlerts to receive email notifications about planning applications for a nominated street. It is a free service run by volunteers.

You may also be interest in browsing Development Applications on the ACT planning web site.