Pools
Check the building and planning requirements for a swimming pool. Lodge a development application for your project.
What do I need to know before getting started?
Before you start your pool project, you should:
- confirm key facts about your property, including zones and overlays, by using City Plan online
- understand the development application process.
Building requirements
Building and maintenance of swimming pools must comply with:
- Building Act 1975
- Building Regulation 2021
- relevant Australian Standards.
Your pool barriers and fencing must comply with the Queensland Development Code MP 3.4 - Swimming pool barriers.
What types of approval do I need?
Planning approval
You may need planning approval under City Plan:
- depending on the zone that applies
- if the site is located in a neighbourhood plan area
- if the site is affected by an overlay.
If you need planning approval, you'll need to lodge a development application.
Building approval
You’ll need building approval for your proposed swimming pool and pool fence.
Contact a licensed building certifier to arrange building approval for your swimming pool and pool fence.
Your building certifier can also seek alternative provisions, such as the setback from the front, side or rear boundary. They can do this by applying for a referral agency response.
If you have an existing swimming pool, you may need building approval to repair, maintain or carry out other works to the pool’s barriers and fencing. If you are unsure, contact a licensed private building certifier or pool safety inspector.
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 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'.
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.
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
If you have an existing swimming pool, you may need building approval to repair, maintain or carry out other works to the pool's barriers and fencing.
If you are unsure, contact a licensed private building certifier or pool safety inspector.