Operational work application
Check whether you need an operational work permit for your construction project and submit an application.
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About operational work permits
After receiving development approval, you may need to submit an application for operational work assessment, as required by the Planning Act 2016. This approval will allow you to start work on your development.
What is operational work?
Under the Planning Act 2016, operational work refers to activities other than building or plumbing and drainage works that materially affects a property or its use.
Operational work may include:
- filling and/or excavation
- roadworks
- stormwater drainage (not house drainage)
- vegetation/fauna management and/or rehabilitation
- footpath works
- other infrastructure.
What is an operational work permit?
Operational work is a type of development permit issued by Council. It must be assessed under the timeframes stated in the Development Assessment Rules within the Planning Act 2016.
You usually need operational work approval for any works conditioned under Reconfiguring a Lot (RaL) approval. These works are often referred to as post-approval operational work.
The other type of operational work is ‘stand-alone’ operational work. This includes filling or excavation works and/or vegetation management that may not relate to a RaL. These assessment triggers are listed in Part 5 of Brisbane City Plan 2014 (City Plan).
You may also need to apply for additional permits from the relevant service authorities for works including:
- water and sewer reticulation
- electricity and telecommunication supply.
For more information about how operational works for filling and excavation are regulated, download our guidelines.
How to apply
When should I apply?
You should lodge an operational work application after you:
- receive your development approval from Council
- lodge any other applications under the development approval at the same time and in accordance with the approval conditions.
Who can lodge the application?
You can lodge an operational work application yourself.
Alternatively, you can hire an expert to lodge on your behalf.
Operational work compliance assessment application requirements
You can apply for operational work compliance assessment online. Make sure you submit all relevant forms and information needed for your application.
These include:
- a completed DA Form 1
- receipt for payment of Portable Long Service Leave levy
- Portable Long Service Leave levy for works with construction value greater than $150,000.
- any proposed plans
- Engineering plans must have each page certified by a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ).
- Stormwater designs for sites up to 2000 square metres or with an upslope catchment of no greater than 4 residential lots must be submitted by either a Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) licensed hydraulic designer or an RPEQ.
- any additional documentation requirements identified on the Operational Work/Compliance Assessment Form or within the development approval
- a stand-alone operational work application for filling or excavation that is assessable against City Plan
The application must address all relevant overlays and development codes identified in Part 5 of City Plan.
On sites where the Erosion Hazard has been identified as high risk, any erosion and sediment control plans must be certified by a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC).
Engineering drawing checklists
You can use the following engineering drawing checklists to help with your application. These documents show how we’ll assess your application.
After you apply
We’ll review your application and send you a response within 20 business days.
For help with your application of to find out more information, call Council’s Business Hotline on 133 BNE (133 263).
Fees and charges
You have the option to pay the application fees during or after lodgement.
- If you want to pay using a Mastercard or Visa, you’ll receive a fee quote when you lodge your application.
- If you want to pay another way, you’ll receive a fee quote 2 business days after you lodge your application.
Check the ‘Operational work and Council Compliance Assessment fees’ section of the Development Assessment and Compliance Fees brochure for details on application fees.