Blog
Residential Care and Retirement Facilities in Brisbane
Brisbane City Council (BCC) is proposing amendments to the Brisbane City Plan 2014 to make it easier to build, extend or upgrade Residential Care Facilities and Retirement Facilities, to meet the needs of Brisbane’s aging residents. It is worthwhile understanding these amendments as some land owners might reconsider their development options (e.g. Multiple dwellings [...]
Plan For Brisbane
Brisbane City Council has recently published the outcomes of its ‘Plan for Brisbane’ initiative where more than 100,000 residents has their say on Brisbane’s future. Described as Brisbane’s future blueprint, 8 principles have been developed, supported by 40 identified actions, many of which have practical implications for land owners and the development industry, including [...]
New Council Fees and Charges and New Rules for Smoke Alarms
New Council Fees and Charges From 1 July 2018, we expect Local Governments to increase their fees and charges that apply to development assessment and compliance costs. This means that you will have until 30 June 2018 to lodge and pay for applications before the fees increase. The new fees for most Local [...]
Brisbane City Council Citywide Amendments – Biodiversity
In June 2016, Brisbane City Council (BCC) proposed it would be amending the Biodiversity provision of the City Plan 2014 intended to reflect changed biodiversity mapping and updated legislation, as well as previous community and industry feedback requiring amendments to overlay mapping. The proposed amendments refine mapping of the biodiversity areas overlay, align mapping [...]
Changes to Brisbane City Council Dwelling House Code
Brisbane City Council (BCC) has recently made changes to their Dwelling House Code and Dwelling House (Small Lot) Code regarding building height. These changes became effective on 1 December 2017 and are intended to clarify the circumstances in which BCC may approve houses over 9.5 metres or 2 Storeys in height. Since Brisbane City [...]
Brisbane City Council New Neighbourhood Plans expected for 2018
As the year progresses we can expect to see Brisbane City Council adopt a number of new Neighbourhood Plans. Council use neighbourhood plans to make changes to the Brisbane City Plan at a local level, including (but not limited to) changes to Zones and protection of additional heritage or character buildings. It is important that [...]
Brisbane City Council – City Plan Updates
Dwelling House (Small Lot) Code Interpretation Guidelines Brisbane City Council have recently published interpretation material for the Dwelling house (small lot) code. It seeks to deliver guidance on how development can provide car accommodation that does not visually dominate the appearance of a dwelling house when viewed from the street. The guidance material focuses on the [...]
Shaping SEQ
Shaping SEQ, also referred to as the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2017, is the new regional plan for the South East Queensland region. It came into effect on 11 August 2017, and replaces the former South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009 – 2031 (SEQRP 2009). Over the coming 25 years, SEQ will require an [...]
Determining ground level and building height
We are often asked by builders and development proponents how to determine building height and what constitutes a storey. These questions are important as strict height limits can apply. For example, in Brisbane the Low density residential zone specifies a maximum height of 9.5m and two storeys in most instances. Clearly understanding building height early [...]
Secondary Dwellings and Rooming Accommodation
Secondary dwellings (also known as granny flats) and Rooming accommodation, are becoming increasingly popular across Brisbane and other regions within south-east Queensland. We are often asked what is the difference between the two types of developments and when town planning approval is required. Read on if you would like to find out the answers. Secondary [...]