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Extensions, raising or renovations

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Learn about the planning and building requirements for extensions, raising or renovating a property.

What do I need to know before getting started?

Before you start any renovation work, you should: 

If your proposed project involves an extension or renovation to an existing house, it must comply with the QDC. 

For the relevant design and siting standards for defined setbacks for single detached housing, visit the QDC and refer to the documents:

  • MP 1.2 - Design and siting standards for single detached housing on lots 450 m2 and over
  • MP 1.1 - Design and siting standards for single detached housing on lots under 450 m2.

Looking for something else

Subdividing land

Plumbing and drainage

Heritage and character properties

What types of approval do I need?

Building approval

You’ll need building approval before starting work on extensions, raising and renovations. 

Contact a licensed building certifier for advice on building approval for your proposed extensions or renovations. 

Your building certifier can also seek alternative provisions, such as the setback from the front, side or rear boundary, by lodging a request for a referral agency response. 

Request for a referral agency response

If your proposed project doesn’t meet all the acceptable solutions of the relevant code, you’ll need to request a referral response from Council.

A private building certifier is the assessment manager for building work applications. Council acts as a referral agency providing advice for the application.

Other approvals

You’ll need to check if you require:

  • planning approval
  • plumbing approval
  • heritage or character approvals
  • a footpath permit.

If your proposed project involves an extension or renovation to an existing house, it must comply with the Brisbane City Plan 2014 (City Plan):

You’ll need planning approval if your proposed project doesn’t meet all the acceptable outcomes of the relevant code.  

If your property is in a neighbourhood plan area or overlay, additional criteria applies and you may need planning approval. 

If your site is in the Traditional building character overlay:

  • you’ll generally need planning approval for external extensions 
  • some extensions and renovations to a house built during or before 1946 require planning approval 
  • extensions and renovations on houses built during or before 1946 that need some demolition works may need assessment against the Traditional building character (demolition) overlay code and Traditional building character (design) overlay code.

You may not need planning approval for minor building work in the Traditional building character overlay for:

  • enclosing under an existing building
  • an external stair or ramp 
  • a carport at the front or side of the house (specific circumstances apply)
  • a carport, garage, shed or other outbuilding at the rear of the building
  • raising a house where the new height does not exceed 9.5 metres. 

These requirements are subject to change. Check table 5.3.4.1 Prescribed accepted development in City Plan for the circumstances where planning approval is not required. 

If your renovations only involve internal works, you’re unlikely to need planning approval.

You may need Council plumbing approval to cap off a sanitary drain within your property. The works must be carried out by a licensed plumber. 

City Plan identifies heritage and character buildings in different overlays. It also outlines requirements for appropriate development of these properties.

You may need a footpath permit if your building works involve:

  • crossing a footpath with a truck
  • storing equipment on a footpath
  • placing a skip bin on a footpath.

Lodge a development application

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.

What happens after I lodge my development application or referral request?

Once we’ve received your development application, we‘ll check it: 

  • complies with properly made requirements
  • includes all the relevant documents.

A fee quote will then be issued for payment. Council uses a points system to calculate development application fees, which can vary depending on your project.

Keep track of your development application

You can check the status of your development application on our development and search tracking tool, Development.i. 

Look up your development application by number or location and select 'Details'. The status is under 'Progress'.

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 s86 of the Building Act 1975.

You can lodge building certification documents online for a fee of $72.30 (valid from 1 July 2024). 

Sign in to the Services Brisbane for Business portal to lodge your building certification documents.

Lodge 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.

Frequently asked questions

You may need Council approval for renovations in Brisbane, depending on the type of renovation proposed. Renovations only involving internal works are unlikely to require planning approval. 

If you’re unsure about your project’s requirements, request more information and advice.