Prepare and lodge an application
Follow this step-by-step guide to complete and lodge your development application.

Stage 1: Preparing your development application
Understand the development application process
Make sure you understand the requirements of your project before you lodge an application.
Preliminary research
Find out the necessary approvals for your project, along with specific requirements and regulations.
Find out more about:
Pre-application advice (optional)
Our Planning Information Officers can answer your questions and provide general advice about your development.
Engage professionals
Talk to industry experts such as architects, town planners and surveyors about your project. They can provide professional advice and prepare the necessary documents to lodge a development application.
Stage 2: Lodging your development application
The development application process varies depending on the nature of your project.
Use this process as a guide to make sure your development application is compliant and properly made.
Stage 3: Paying application fees
Development application fees vary depending on the type of development. They could include:
- additional permits
- hiring professionals to ensure your development meets the relevant regulations
- infrastructure charges (managed after an application is decided).
Find out more about development application fees and other charges that may apply.
Stage 4: After submitting your development application
After you submit your development application, Council will assess it against the relevant assessment benchmarks.
Application assessment
We’ll review your application and assess it against the relevant requirements.
You’ll receive an information request if we need more information.
Depending on your application, the assessment process may also involve referrals to external agencies and public notification. This will extend the assessment timeframe.
Council decision
Once the assessment is complete, we’ll send you a decision notice informing you of our decision within 5 business days.
For approved applications, the decision notice will include the:
- terms of the decision
- appeal rights
- conditions with which you need to comply.
If your application is refused, the decision notice will outline the reasons why.
Compliance and appeals
If your development application is approved, you may need to comply with certain conditions set by Council. This could include:
- applying for additional permits
- requesting further meetings
- seeking environmental offsets.
If your application has been refused, you can appeal Council's decision.
Council support
We have a range of resources to help you understand the development assessment process and prepare your development application.
You can:
- talk to a Planning Information Officer
- attend a Talk to a Planner session
- access prelodgement services
- request pre-assessment of a technical report.
Penalties for unauthorised work
To avoid penalties, make sure you’ve received all relevant approvals before you begin construction.
You can report unauthorised work or a breach of planning regulations to Council.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, we recommend that you get expert help when you prepare and lodge a development application. These professionals can give advice about your project and help you understand best practices and the information you need.
If you need help, you can also request Council assistance and talk to a Planning Information Officer.
Fees to prepare and lodge a development application vary across projects. Learn more about development application cost considerations and estimate your fees.
You can track the progress of your development application using Development.i. Use the property’s address, map location or your application number to track its progress.
Yes, there are forms and templates available to help you prepare your development application. Visit the Queensland Government website to find development application forms and templates.
Yes, you can modify your lodged development application. We understand that projects can change and new information about a development can become available. If your application has been allocated to an officer, you can discuss how to change the development application during the assessment process.
To make sure your development application meets all the necessary criteria and regulations:
- use our checklist
- make sure all information is accurate and current
- request Council assistance
- get expert advice.