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Outdoor lighting

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Determine if your outdoor lighting project meets planning code requirements. Apply for approval, if required.

What types of approval do I need?

Planning approval

You don’t need planning approval if your proposed outdoor lighting project meets all acceptable outcomes in the outdoor lighting code.

If planning approval is required, you’ll need to lodge a development application. 

Lodge a development application

You need to self-assess your proposed outdoor lighting project against the outdoor lighting code to confirm it complies with the requirements.

If your project doesn’t comply with the code requirements, you’ll need to lodge an impact assessment development application.

What is an impact assessment development application?

An impact assessment is generally required where there’s a need to consider the potential impacts of a proposal. You’ll need to:

  • submit a development application
  • receive approval before starting any activity or development.

An impact assessable development application requires public notification prior to Council making a decision.

Follow our step-by-step guide to prepare and lodge a development application.

What happens after I lodge my development application?

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.

Application assessment

Properly made applications proceed through an assessment process in set stages.

If your application is not properly made, you’ll receive an action notice and have 20 days to comply. 

You must let Council know that the action notice has been complied with. We’ll consider whether the action notice has been fulfilled and issue a Confirmation Notice if satisfied that the application is properly made.   

If you’re unsure, request information and advice. 

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'.

Frequently asked questions

If your internal lighting emits light beyond your site or property, it’s considered outdoor lighting and subject to the Outdoor lighting code in Brisbane City Plan 2014.