Information about local laws
Under the City of Brisbane Act 2010, Brisbane City Council has the authority to make and enforce local laws. Council is also responsible for enforcing some state government legislated laws.
Enforcement actions depend on the degree of non-compliance.
Prosecution Policy
Sometimes Council will take prosecution action. This is guided by the principles outlined in Council’s Prosecution Policy.
Compliance and Regulatory Services
Council officers are responsible for enforcing local laws including:
- parking and permits
- natural assets (e.g. vegetation protection, overgrown land, noxious weeds)
- animal management
- abandoned vehicles
- roadside vendors (e.g. flower sellers)
- neighbourhood nuisances (e.g. noise, illegal dumping and smoke)
- camping in Council parks (defined as physically setting up a camp, caravan or tent and the act of sleeping in a vehicle)
- camping overnight on a road or road-related area (e.g. road shoulder or road reserve) These activities are prohibited at all times
- health, safety and amenity (e.g. graffiti, abandoned trolleys, community newspapers and junk mail).
If you break a local law you may have to pay a fine. You can pay your fines online.
Officers are also responsible for enforcing both state legislation and local laws covering areas including:
- signage
- food hygiene
- footpath dining
- illegal use of premises
- footway permits
- building
- refuse control.
According to some laws, certain individual or business activities require a permit or licence.
More information
A full list of Council's local laws is available from the Queensland Government's Local Laws Database.
Visit Council to get copies of local laws. Price is available on application. Allow five working days for this service.