Building near the boundary
Check the planning and building requirements for building near a property boundary. Learn how to request siting variation.
What do I need to know before getting started?
Before you start building works near a property boundary, you should:
- confirm key facts about your property, including zones, overlays and neighbourhood plans by using City Plan online
- understand the development application process
- review the Queensland Development Code (QDC).
QDC
The QDC governs the distance a house or other structures (e.g. carport or shed) can be from the front, rear and side property boundaries.
In the QDC standards, there are acceptable solutions that outline what building works are deemed acceptable.
Where the proposed works don’t comply with the relevant acceptable solutions, an assessment is required against the performance criteria.
Standard lots
A standard sized lot is 450 square metres or more in area.
For defined setbacks, visit the QDC website and refer to the document, MP 1.2 - Design and siting standards for single detached housing on lots 450 square metres and over.
Small lots
A small lot is less than 450 square metres in area.
City Plan provides siting provisions in the Dwelling house (small lot) code for lots under 450 square metres.
For a rear lot, a lot less than 600 square meters is considered a small lot under City Plan.
For the QDC defined setbacks, visit the QDC website and refer to the document, MP 1.1 - Design and siting standards for single detached housing on lots under 450 square metres.
What types of approval do I need?
Building approval
Most building work will require a building approval from a building certifier. However, some types of work are accepted development and can be carried out without building approval.
Contact a licensed building certifier to organise a building approval. You’ll need to supply scaled and detailed plans prepared by a draftsperson or architect.
Request for a referral agency response (QDC siting variation)
If your proposed works don’t meet the QDC standards, you’ll need an assessment against the relevant performance criteria.
A private building certifier is the assessment manager for building work applications. Council acts as a referral agency providing advice for the application.
You may also be advised to lodge a development application to be assessed in conjunction with your request.
Planning approval
If planning approval is required, you’ll need to lodge a development application.
Follow our step-by-step guide to prepare and lodge your development application.
Information for building certifiers
Under the Planning Act 2016, Council must hold records of building construction approvals and certification information. These documents will be kept for a specified period of time and made available for inspection.
A detailed list of required lodgement materials is outlined in Planning Regulation 2017 and relevant sections of the Building Act 1975.
You can lodge building certification documents online for a fee of $72.30.
Sign in to the Services Brisbane for Business portal to lodge your building certification documents.
You can also lodge building documents at any Customer Centre. Phone Council’s Business Hotline on 133 BNE (133 263) to ask about the fees for lodging building documents in person.
Helpful links
Frequently asked questions
Even if you have permission from your neighbours to build near your boundary, you may still need approval from Council.
The Queensland Development Code defines where and how single dwelling houses and associated structures are located on a property.
Learn more about how to get started with building near a boundary.