Development rules process
Development rules have a hierarchy, starting with state government legislation and then stepping down to Brisbane City Council’s rules.
State government rules
The state government sets the high level rules for planning and building:
- Sustainable Planning Act 2009 provides the legislative framework for Brisbane’s planning and development assessment system. Council is obliged to follow the processes set out under the Act for making and amending the planning scheme and assessing development applications
- South East Queensland Regional Plan – provides broad direction for issues, such as managing regional growth. In South East Queensland it is prepared by state government in conjunction with local government and the community. Council is obliged to reflect these regional rules in the City Plan
- State Planning Policies (SPPs) – these policies set out state government’s requirements for particular development related matters such as acid sulphate soils, koala habitat, airports, and hazards among other things
Council Rules
Council incorporates state government requirements with Council’s own rules and assessment criteria to manage growth and change in Brisbane. These rules are set out in Council’s City Plan.
The rules also reflect the community’s expectations for future development. Council’s various consultation projects that shape City Plan include:
Find out more about City Plan
