Building search

Building search provides data extract of building approval records in a letter.

Note: Building search does not include copies of any building approval plans or documents or certificates, other than certificate of occupancy if applicable. Find out about applying for copies of building plans or documents.

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Building search types

A comprehensive building search consists of the three search types as listed below. Building search fees are applied for each search type selected.

1. Building records search

  • List of building approvals dating back to 1946.
  • Limited to building application number, brief description of proposed building work and approval date.

2. Final certification searches (as applicable)

Building inspection search (detached dwelling)

  • List of building inspection/final inspection dates for each building approval.
  • This search applies to detached dwelling (standalone house) and associated structures.

OR

Certificate of occupancy search

  • List of certificates of occupancy and copy of certificate/s, if in Council's records.
  • This search applies to, for example and not limited to: warehouse, office, shop, unit/apartment, attached house/townhouse/duplex. All buildings built after 1 April 1976 require a certificate of occupancy (formerly referred to as a certificate of classification) unless the building is a single detached class 1a building or a class 10 building or structure.

3. Building property notice search

  • List of any outstanding building property notices issued in accordance with the Building Act 1975 and Planning Act 2016.

How to lodge a building search

There are two levels of service, fees apply for each search type and level of service.

  • standard – within 10 business days after the date of lodgement
  • fast track – within three business days after the date of lodgement

You can lodge a building search online and pay by credit card.

Alternatively, download the building search application (PDF - 71kb) and lodge the application form by:

  • visiting Council and make payment in person
  • mail the application with a cheque payment to:
    Brisbane City Council
    GPO Box 1434
    Brisbane Qld 4001.
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