Relocating, demolishing and removal
You need to find out what approvals are required if you are thinking of:
- demolishing / removing a house, or part of
- relocating a house on its existing lot or to a new lot
There are two types of approvals:
- Building approval (provided by a building certifier).
- Planning approval (provided by Brisbane City Council).
Building approval
Building approval ensures that buildings are structurally sound.
City Plan aims to maintain the traditional ‘timber and tin’ buildings and streetscapes which give Brisbane its unique character. Most of these were built in or prior to the end of 1946.
Under Queensland planning legislation (Building Regulation 2006), building work involving ’moving or demolishing a building or other structure’ is defined as development, and usually requires building approval, unless it is regarded as ‘repairs, maintenance or alterations only affecting a minor structural component’ of an existing building.
The Queensland Development Code contains specific requirements for removal houses, relating to structural stability, connection to services, payment of a bond to the Council and other matters.
You can arrange for building approval through a building certifier. You must give the certifier scaled and detailed plans prepared by a drafter or architect.
Planning approval
Planning approval is used to make sure new development, including any building work like demolition or relocation of existing buildings, does not detract from existing streetscapes or negatively affect neighbours.
Some building work, including some demolition and relocation, also requires planning approval. Depending on where you live and the size of your lot, you may need planning approval for demolition or relocation under City Plan. It’s particularly important to get it right in areas where most houses were built before 1946.
This may mean limiting the demolition work to meet certain planning criteria, or submitting a planning application to Council, before you demolish or relocate a house, or part of a house. This will depend on the following:
- where your property is located (that is, your Area classification or zoning)
- whether or not it is included in a Demolition Control Precinct (DCP) and/or a Character Residential Area
- whether it is a heritage place or in a heritage precinct
- whether or not it is a small lot
- whether or not the proposed demolition or relocation is exempt from City Plan regulations
Sometimes, by tailoring your proposed demolition or relocation project to meet basic planning requirements, you can avoid the need to submit a planning application. This can save you time and money.
If however a planning application is required, this type of development may be suitable for assessment using the RiskSMART process.
