Overlays
Brisbane City Plan 2014 (City Plan) has been developed by Brisbane City Council in consultation with the community to support a simple, fast and clear development assessment process. The plan guides how land in Brisbane can be used and developed to support economic growth, while protecting our city’s character and natural assets.
The information on this page will help you understand overlays and what you need to consider when submitting an application.
What is an overlay?
An overlay maps different features that also need to be considered when developing land, for example, flooding, heritage and character.
Council’s City Plan online has a mapping tool that will help you identify whether or not your property is in an overlay, meaning particular characteristics need to be considered during the preparation of your development application.
An overlay may apply to all or part of your property and your property may also be affected by more than one overlay. Overlays may affect the type and category of development, assessment and design requirements such as building height, landscaping or vehicle access. Some overlays may be included for information purposes only. These may not change the category of assessment or any additional assessment benchmarks.
Is the overlay mapping always accurate?
Council has used the latest available mapping from the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council resources to map overlays in City Plan. This mapping will be reviewed as new information is made available.
Overlay mapping enables Council and property owners to understand the full range of potential planning matters Council may need to consider when new development is proposed on a site. If the development assessment process determines that the planning matter is not relevant to the proposal, the overlay will not be further considered.
How do I find out what overlays affect my property?
The City Plan online mapping tool allows you to view your property on a map to see the zones, zone precincts, overlays and neighbourhood plans that apply to your site. A summary of the applicable overlays (and zoning and any neighbourhood plans) is provided when a property search is undertaken. A property report can also be generated to provide a PDF of this information.
Most overlays have a code that lists the assessment benchmarks, or criteria to be addressed in your development application. Once a property search is undertaken in the mapping tool, a list of overlays (and zoning and any neighbourhood plans) is provided, along with links directly to the relevant codes associated with the property.
It is important to check your property on the interactive map and include relevant information relating to overlays in your development application before submitting it to Council.
More information
For more information:
- register to receive email updates about City Plan and planning and development in Brisbane.
- attend one of the Talk to a Planner sessions that Council holds throughout the year to speak to a Council officer in person
- contact Council.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is a summary and has been prepared to assist the reader to understand City Plan. Please refer to the full City Plan document, entitled Brisbane City Plan 2014, via City Plan online for further detail.