Satellite dish
Check if you need planning and building approval to install a satellite dish. Lodge a development application, if required.
What do I need to know before getting started?
Before installing a satellite dish, you should:
- confirm key facts about your property, including zones and overlays, by using City Plan online
- understand the development application process.
What types of approval do I need?
Planning approval
Installing no more than one satellite dish on a premises is accepted development.
The satellite dish must be no greater than:
- 1.2 metres in the following zones:
- 1.8 metres in any other zone.
Projects that are accepted development don’t need planning approval.
When you need to lodge a development application
If your proposed satellite dish doesn’t meet the accepted development criteria, it is a code assessable development and requires planning approval.
A code assessable development is expected development that doesn’t require public notification. You’ll need to:
- submit a development application
- receive approval before starting any activity or development.
You’ll also need planning approval where:
- there's an existing dish at the property, and you propose additional satellite dishes
- you propose more than one satellite dish.
Follow our step-by-step guide to prepare and lodge a development application.
Building approval
You don’t need building approval if the proposed satellite dish:
- has a maximum diameter of 900 millimetres and if the device is no more than:
- 3.5 metres above the building or structure (for a device attached to a building or structure)
- 10 metres above the device’s natural surface (for a device attached from any building or structure).
You'll need to ensure your work complies with all relevant building codes and standards outlined in the National Construction Code.
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.
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
You can install one satellite on your property without a planning approval, subject to dimension requirements.
To install a second satellite dish or more, you’ll need planning approval.