Do you need to get a building approval?
Before you can start building, you need to check if you need a building approval. You will need approval for most types of domestic or commercial building work.
You will not need a building approval if your work is minor and is considered to be accepted development under the Planning Act 2016. Examples of some accepted development include:
- a small shed, stable or similar structure up to 10m2 in area, with a maximum height of 2.4m
- a fence of not more than 2m high (excluding swimming pool fencing)
- a retaining wall of not more than 1m high (providing there is no load above it like a building or driveway).
Accepted development still needs to meet any applicable standards, the Logan Planning Scheme 2015 and the Queensland Development Code.
Is a planning approval needed?
Some building projects need a planning approval as well as a building approval. A private building certifier can tell you if you need a planning approval.
Some common building projects that need a planning approval include:
- a building that is too close to the property boundary or over the minimum boundary setbacks
- a building that is bigger than a particular size or height
- a building on land affected by an overlay in the Logan Planning Scheme 2015 (e.g. a steep slope or flood-affected land).