Operating a childcare centre
Check the approvals needed to use a premises as a childcare centre. Read the legislation you must comply with.
What is a childcare centre?
A childcare centre is the use of premises for the care, education and minding of children.
Under Brisbane City Plan 2014 (City Plan), common examples of childcare centres include:
- a crèche
- an early childhood centre
- a kindergarten
- outside-hours school care.
Childcare centres don’t include:
- a home-based childcare business
- the residential care of children
- a family day care centre
- educational establishments.
What you need to know
Before you set up a childcare centre on your premises, you need to:
- find key facts about your property
- understand the relevant codes
- know the preferred locations
- be aware of any legislation.
Find key property facts
Use the mapping tool in City Plan online to find key facts about your property. This includes:
- zoning
- neighbourhood plans
- overlays.
Understand the code
Your property's zone will determine the City Plan codes that apply to your development. They may include a combination of the:
Know the preferred locations
City Plan enables childcare centres to be set up in the following zones:
- Community facilities zone
- Centre zones, including the:
Childcare centres in other locations shouldn’t be located on local roads. If in newly developing or outer suburban areas, childcare centres should be next to:
- community focal points (such as shopping centres)
- community facilities (such as public transport interchanges)
- libraries and churches
- parkland
- schools
- sporting grounds.
In built-up inner or middle suburban areas, suitable locations may include sites:
- close to other community facilities
- within educational establishments.
Read the legislation
In addition to the requirements of City Plan, childcare centres must comply with relevant Queensland Government and other relevant legislation.
What you need to do
Follow this process to get the relevant approvals before establishing a childcare centre.
You may need one or more of the following approvals for your childcare centre:
- planning approval
- building approval.
Planning approval
You may need to lodge a development application for planning approval for your childcare centre. This depends on:
- the property location
- how the proposed development complies with the requirements in City Plan.
Building approval
You may need to seek advice if you’re planning to undertake building works, or if you’re planning to occupy an existing building that was not designed, built or adapted to be used as a childcare centre.
Get advice from a licensed private building certifier or building consultant for:
- building work for a new or existing building
- any building approval that is required.
Once you’ve determined the property details and relevant approvals, you can prepare your development application (if required).
You can submit your development application:
- online
- in person
- by mail.
In some cases, you may be able to fast track your application.
If you need advice, talk to a Planning Information Officer.
We will review and assess your development application.
We may ask you to supply more information during the assessment process.
During this time, you can check your application status.
