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 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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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, 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 [...]
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 (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 [...]
The Planning Act 2016 is now in full operation across Queensland. The team here at KRA have gone to considerable lengths to understand the new provisions and are ready to go. More on Exemption Certificates Our April Industry Update featured information on heritage exemption certificates as an alternative to town planning approvals for minor works [...]