Siting variations

A siting variation is required when a building or structure needs to be built within the boundary setbacks defined under the building laws. Siting variations are also known as boundary relaxations or building relaxations.

Boundary setbacks for buildings and structures help with privacy, property maintenance and amenity.

Small lots

A small lot is a lot which meets any of the following criteria:

• less than 450 square metres; and/or 
• less than 15 metres average width; and 
• if it is a rear allotment, has an area less than 600 square metres (excluding access way)

Small lot boundary setbacks are set by the Small Lot Code. If your property is a small lot you must find out whether you need a development application. To find out if you need a development application, Brisbane City Council recommends you speak to a town planner.

If the building work falls outside the building envelope requirements defined in the Small Lot Code, it is likely you will need to submit a development application.

Standard lots

A standard lot is a lot which:

• is 450 square metres or larger
• is more than 15 metres average width
• if it is a rear allotment, has an area more than 600 square metres (excluding access way)

Boundary setbacks for standard lots are defined by the Queensland Development Code. You can check the Code to find out the requirements for your property and proposed structure.

Council recommends you seek expert help from a building certifier to find out if you need a siting relaxation. The below table is an extract from the Queensland Development Code for minimum setbacks and building guidelines.

Structure	Front / road boundary	Side / rear boundary	Total length along side or rear boundary
Single storey dwelling - height under 4.5m	6m	1.5m
Double storey dwelling  - height greater than 4.5m, but less than 7.5m	6m	2m
Carport, shed and garage - dwelling height on property under 4.5m	6m	1.5m	9m
Carport, shed and garage - dwelling height on property greater than 4.5m, but less than 7.5m	6m	2m	9m
Swimming pool	1.5m	1.5m

Applications

There are three request types:

Request Type	Fee	Description	Timeframe
Standard Request	$546	Council carries out full assessment of the proposal, including site visit	15 - 20 working days
Fast Track Request	$289*	Building Certifier carries out assessment and lodges the request with Council for advice	10 working days
Siting Variation Express Request	$122*	Applicant signs a declaration stating the proposal complies with Siting Variation Request criteria. Council issues advice	3 working days (for email lodgement)

*This is Council's fee only. The Building Certifier may also charge for their services.

Requests must meet the minimum requirements below. Your application may be returned unprocessed if you do not supply the requested information. Plans should be prepared by a qualified design consultant in the relevant development field.

Forms

You must apply for concurrence agency advice using the appropriate forms. You can download the forms.

Standard or Fast Track request:

• Concurrence agency application - part 1 - CC10143  (PDF - 125kb) 
• Concurrence agency application - part 2 - CC10228  (PDF - 74kb) 
• Concurrence agency application - part 3 - CC10144  (PDF - 65kb) 

Siting Variation Express request:

• Siting Variation Express - Information Kit (PDF - 1.7mb)*

 

Minimum requirements

You must submit the following documents for your concurrence agency advice application:

Standard or Fast Track request:

1. Concurrence Agency Application Part 1 (Design and Siting Requirements) form: 
   • for full assessments, complete pages 1, 2 and Other Information on page 4
   • for fast track assessments, the building certifier completes all pages
2. Concurrence Agency Application Part 2 (Neighbour’s Statement) form:
   • completed and signed by the impacted neighbours; or
   • applicant’s statement advising why a neighbour’s statement was not provided
3. For fast track assessments only, complete Concurrence Agency Application Part 3 (site photos) form:
   • supply site photos as per checklist
4. 2 copies of plans showing:
   • site plan with north point (1:200 scale)
   • floor plan and elevations (1:100 scale)
   • contours
   • all building and structures on the property
   • detailed dimensions of the proposed structures
   • setback dimensions from boundary and neighbouring structures
   • title and revision block (numbered and dated)
   • plans in PDF format, if submitted electronically

Siting Variation Express request:

1. Siting Variation Express Information Kit
   • Eligibility Checklist and Deemed to Comply Provisions
   • application checklist
   • application form
2. Two copies of plans showing:
   • site plan with north point (1:200 scale)
   • floor plan and elevations (1:100 scale)
   • contours
   • all building and structures on the property
   • detailed dimensions of the proposed structures
   • setback dimensions from the boundary and neighbouring structures
   • title and revision block (numbered and dated)
   • plans in PDF format, if submitted electronically

Lodge an application

Applications and fees can be submitted by:

• mail to:
  
  Brisbane City Council
  PO Box 361
  Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 
   
• fax to any Regional Business Centre including the credit card authorisation form 
• delivery to any Regional Business Centre
• email  - you must include:
  • site address in the subject line of the email
  • plans must be in PDF format
  • Credit card authorisation - CC10549 (PDF - 73kb)

Other approvals

A building certifier or town planner will be able to help you identify any other approvals you may require before you start construction.