Building plans and documents
If you are looking for building plans and documents for a Brisbane-based house, multiple dwelling or commercial building, Brisbane City Council may have copies.
Residential dwelling
Council may have digital copies of approved building plans and documents for single detached residential structures that were built, altered or renovated after 1987.
Plans and documents may include:
- approved architectural or structural drawings
- site plan
- soil test report
- decision notice and conditions of approval.
Other building documents that may be available include:
- Design certificate (Form 15 - engineering design, energy efficiency)
- Final certificate (Form 21 or Form 17)
- Certificates (Form 16 - engineering, termite, glazing, waterproofing, wet area, roof trusses, smoke alarms, footings, slab, frame, final).
Commercial buildings or multiple dwellings
Council may have digital copies of approved building plans and documents for multiple dwellings, commercial or industrial buildings built or altered after 1972.
Plans and documents may include:
- approved architectural or structural drawings
- site plan
- decision notice and conditions of approval.
Other building documents that may be available include:
- Design certificate (Form 15 - engineering design, energy efficiency)
- Certificates (Form 11 - Certificate of Occupancy (formerly referred to as a Certificate of Classification), Form 16 - engineering, termite, glazing, waterproofing, wet area, roof trusses, smoke alarms, fire safety installation, fire services, footings, slab, frame, final).
Council building plans officers cannot:
- identify specific documents such as footings or slab details
- verify what is contained in the file
- provide technical advice.
Fees
In the 2024-25 financial year, the following building plans and document fees apply:
| Document type | File inclusions | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic copy of building approval plans and documents | All certificates, plans and miscellaneous documents | $175.30 per record |
| An additional administrative fee may be applied to complex requests that require additional research and preparation time of more than 30 minutes. | $58.45 |
How to request building plans and documents
It may take up to 15 business days from receipt of authority document to be supplied with electronic building plans and documents. Emailing electronic files is the fastest way to access the documents you need.
To request plans and documents, phone Council on 07 3403 8888 or visit Council.
To receive copies of plans and documents you need to:
- pay the relevant fee
- present proof of ownership or authorisation. Acceptable documents include:
- owner:
- rate account
- letter of authority must be obtained from the body corporate for units and townhouses
- non-owner:
- letter of authority from the owner
- signed contract to purchase the property
- letter of authority must be obtained from the body corporate for units and townhouses.
- owner:
Older records
For residential buildings built before 1987 and commercial building or multiple dwellings built before 1972, you will need to try to contact the original builder, or engage an architect to prepare plans of the premises.
Other plans
You can also purchase copies of plumbing and drainage plans from Council.
For copies of survey plans, showing the dimensions of property you should contact the Queensland Government Titles Office.