How planning and building works

Developers aren’t just big companies who build housing estates or shopping centres. If you extend the house or put up a shed in the backyard, you’re a ‘developer’ too. Even some types of plumbing work are classified as development, under the law.

All development must follow certain rules. There are planning rules for all sorts of activities you might want to do such as demolishing or renovating, adding a deck, verandah or balcony, building a house on a on a lot that is smaller than standard (a small lot) or building a retaining wall, carport, garage or shed.

When considering building or renovation work, follow the six steps below and use Council's property, planning and development tool PD Online.

You can also call Council for help on (07) 3403 8888.

1. Find out your property’s zone. Zones (also called ‘area classifications’) tell you what you can and cannot do with the property. The zone is the key to unlocking the planning rules for your property.
2. Check if your property is a small lot. Different rules apply to properties that are smaller than standard, known as ‘small lots’.
3. Find out if your property is in a ‘Demolition Control Precinct’ (DCP). You cannot demolish or remove a building built before 1947 in a Demolition Control Precinct without approval. There are also rules about renovating or building in a DCP.
4. Check whether the property or a neighbouring property is heritage-listed.Both Council and the Queensland Government have heritage registers and you should check both. Heritage-listed properties are protected and specific development rules apply to them or those directly adjoining.
5. Look at the Neighbourhood Plan (or local plan) for the area. Some Neighbourhood Plans contain specific rules about new development.
6. Check whether the property has other development constraints.Your property may have things that act as ‘constraints’ to development such as a waterway corridor, a patch of native bushland or an overland water flow.

You can also find out more information about the differences between planning and building approvals.