Residential Drafting and Building Design in Queensland

Queensland's planning system runs under the Planning Act 2016, and each council sets its own planning scheme. For most home projects there are two separate questions.

• Planning (development) approval. Some homes need a development approval from council because of the zone, an overlay such as character, heritage or flooding, or the type of project. Many single houses that meet the scheme's rules do not.
• Building approval. Almost all new homes and extensions need one. It is issued by a building certifier, usually a private certifier, though some councils also offer certification.

Building design and siting are also controlled by the Queensland Development Code. Parts MP 1.1 and MP 1.2 set boundary clearances and site cover for detached houses. Where a design does not meet them, or the planning scheme replaces them, the council may need to give its agreement before the certifier can approve the work.

For a new house or a knock-down rebuild, the first check is your council's planning scheme: zone, overlays and any character or demolition controls. In Brisbane, for example, removing a house built in 1946 or earlier in the traditional building character overlay is assessed by council. Once the planning side is clear, we prepare the building approval drawings for your certifier.

Since 26 September 2022 Queensland's planning rules no longer limit who can live in a secondary dwelling, so a granny flat can be rented to anyone. A new granny flat still needs building approval, and size, siting and design rules are set by your council's planning scheme, so they differ between councils. Fire safety and building rules still apply.

Two homes on one lot, usually called a dual occupancy, are controlled by your council's planning scheme. Depending on the zone and lot, a duplex may be accepted, need code assessment, or not be supported at all. We read the scheme for your lot before you spend money on design.

Queensland adopted the NCC 2022 energy standards on 1 May 2024 through the Queensland Development Code MP 4.1. New houses need a 7-star rating for the building shell and must meet a whole-of-home energy budget. Queensland keeps an optional credit for outdoor living areas. We coordinate the energy assessment with the drawings.

We prepare concept plans, development application drawings where needed, and building approval sets for houses, granny flats and dual occupancies. We work Australia-wide with our own team in every state, and we can coordinate the whole project, from survey and engineering through to the certifier and your builder. We bring 10+ years combined experience and 100+ residential projects to each job.

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