Setting up a gym
Check what approvals you need to set up a commercial gym on your property.
What is a gym?
Under Brisbane City Plan 2014 (City Plan), a gym is an example using premises for sport and recreation activities conduced wholly or mainly indoors.
What you need to know
Before you set up your gym on your premises, you need to:
- find key facts about your property
- understand the relevant code
- know the preferred locations.
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
Depending on the zone that covers the location of your proposed gym, the Centre or mixed use code or the Indoor sport and recreation code may apply.
The codes outline acceptable outcomes and performance outcomes to ensure the operation of a business doesn't compromise the safety of, and amenity enjoyed by, neighbouring residents.
Know the preferred locations
City Plan encourages gyms to operate in Centre zones, including the:
- Principal centre zone
- Major centre zone
- District centre zone
- Neighbourhood centre zone
- Mixed use zone.
For information on opening a gym in other zones, you can request planning advice.
What you need to do
Follow this process to get the relevant approvals before setting up a gym.
Planning approval
Not all gyms need planning approval.
You don't need to apply for planning approval if your project is accepted development.
Setting up a gym in an existing premises is accepted development where:
- located in a Centre zone
- there is no increase in gross floor area
- your proposal complies with all identified acceptable outcomes of the Centre or mixed use code.
If your proposal is accepted development, subject to requirements, you don't need anything in writing from Council.
You must complete a self-assessment of all identified requirements to make sure you comply with the relevant code.
Make sure you keep a copy of this self-assessment with your business records. If no development application is needed, this is proof you’ve established your business lawfully.
You need to lodge a development application for planning approval if you are:
- are building new premises
- are increasing the gross floor area of an existing premises
- not complying with all identified acceptable outcomes.
If you need help determining whether you need planning approval, contact Council.
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 gym.
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.
If you need support, Council offers a range of services to help. You can:
- phone Council and ask to speak to a Planning Information Officer on 07 3403 8888
- 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
Other approvals
You may need to apply for additional approvals for your gym, such as for advertising signs.
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 setting up your gym 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).
