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Setting up a shop

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Learn about the approvals you may need to open a shop on your premises.

What is a shop?

Under Brisbane City Plan 2014 (City Plan), a shop is a centre activity.

Examples include a:

  • hairdresser
  • liquor store
  • department store
  • betting agency
  • supermarket
  • corner store.

Under City Plan, shops don’t include:

  • outdoor sales
  • markets
  • hardware and trade supplies
  • garden centres
  • adult stores
  • showrooms
  • agricultural supply stores
  • bulk landscape supplies
  • food and drink outlets.

What you need to know

Before you set up a shop on your property, you need to:

  • find key facts about your property
  • know the preferred locations 
  • determine any approvals you may need.

Find your key property facts

Use the mapping tool in City Plan online to find key facts about your property. This includes:

  • zoning
  • neighbourhood plans
  • overlays.

Know the preferred locations

City Plan enables shops to be located in:

Determine the type of approval you need

When setting up a shop, you may need:

  • planning approval
  • building approval.

Planning approval

You may not need planning approval to set up a shop. If you're unsure what requirements apply to your proposal, Council can assist with general planning enquiries. Learn more about requesting planning advice or getting expert advice.

If the nature of your business changes over time, you may need to reconfirm whether you need planning approval.

Building approval

You may need to seek advice if you’re planning to undertake building works. Or if you’re planning to occupy an existing building not designed, built or adapted to be used as a shop.  

Get advice from a licensed private building certifier or building consultant for:

  • building work for a new or existing bed and breakfast
  • any building approval that is required.

Other things to consider

Other approvals

You may need to apply for additional approvals for your shop, such as advertising signage approval.

More advice

You may need to get advice from Council about your shop if:

  • it requires planning approval 
  • the premises are located within a neighbourhood plan or overlay area.

Phone our Business Hotline on 133 BNE (133 263).