Operating a warehouse
Determine what approvals you need to use your property as a warehouse. Request additional information and advice.
What is a warehouse?
A warehouse is the use of premises for storing or distributing goods. Warehouses can also be used to sell goods by wholesale if the building’s main use is for storage.
Common examples of warehouses include self-storage facilities and storage sheds.
If you’re planning to operate a warehouse, you can’t sell retail goods from the premises or use it for industrial purposes.
What you need to know
Before you apply to set up a warehouse on your property, you need to:
- find key facts about your property
- know the preferred locations
- determine any approvals you may need.
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.
Preferred locations
Brisbane City Plan 2014 (City Plan) enables warehouses to operate in industry zones, specifically the:
- Low impact industry zone
- Industry (General industry A zone princinct)
- Industry (General industry B zone precinct).
What you need to do
Follow this process to get the relevant approvals before operating a warehouse.
You may need one or more of the following approvals to operate a warehouse:
- planning approval
- building approval.
Planning approval
You may need Council planning approval to operate your warehouse.
To find out if you need to lodge a development application for planning approval, phone Council on 07 3403 8888 and ask to speak to a Planning Information Officer.
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 warehouse.
Get advice from a licensed private building certifier or building consultant for:
- building work for a new or existing warehouse
- 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 more information, Council offers a range of services to help. You can:
- call Council and ask to speak to a Planning Information Officer
- request information and advice.
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.
Other things to consider
Business changes
If the nature of your business changes over time, you may need to reconfirm whether you require planning approval.
More advice
You may need to get advice from Council about your warehouse if:
- it requires planning approval
- the premises are located within a neighbourhood plan or overlay area.
Phone our Business Hotline on 133 BNE (133 263).
