Building searches

Building searches can provide information on:

• previous extension approval (if approval has been given to a building application) 
• final approval for commercial premises (including multiple dwellings)

Building searches do not include information on pool fence approvals. Find out about pool fence approvals.

Types of building searches

Building Records Search

This search lists details of all approved building permits/applications for a property from 1946. It does not include copies of any building plans.

Find out about applying for copies of building plans.

Building Inspections Search

This search details inspections carried out on approved building applications during the construction phase. The search establishes whether or not required building inspections were carried out, or Engineer Certificates for the relevant inspections were issued or recorded.

Records for domestic uses, for example, dwellings or carports, are kept from the mid to late 1980s onwards. Inspection records for non-domestic uses, for example, multiple dwellings or industrial and commercial premises, have been kept since 1976.

It is important to nominate the specific building approval you want, for example, deck or verandah, carport, pool or shed, as a fee applies to each building approval selected.

Certificate of Classification

You can get a copy of a Certificate of Classification, if applicable, for a commercial or multiple dwelling premises approved by Council after 1 April 1976, or for premises built prior to this date where the approval was for a change of classification.

We will advise you if a certificate has not been issued for a premises.

Property Notices

This search indicates details of any outstanding property notices issued in accordance with the Building Act 1975.

Letter of Information

This search provides requested information not covered by the above searches. For example, a builder's name and address, an architect's name and address, termite certificates or estimated building costs.

Time to process

Council will endeavour to process searches within 10 working days after date of lodgement, however no warranty or guarantee is given or implied.

Alternatively, you can choose to fast track the application. Council will endeavour to process searches within three working days after the date of lodgement, however no warranty or guarantee is given or implied. Extra fees apply for this service. 

Building search costs

You will pay the fees for each search component.  If you choose to fast track, you cannot fast track individual components of the search.  All search components must be fast tracked.

How to lodge

You can complete a building search online or download the search application form:

• Building search application - CA392 (PDF - 59kb)

After completing the application forms, you can either:

• visit Council to lodge the forms
• mail the forms with cheque payment to:

Brisbane City Council
PO Box 361
Fortitude Valley Qld 4006