Many people wonder whether they need a building approval in QLD when planning a construction project. Although this is sometimes referred to as a “building permit” in everyday speech, the formal term in Queensland is “building approval”. Building without the necessary approvals can bring serious repercussions and delays down the track, but many are unsure of what documentation their project requires.
In this blog, we’ll outline when a building approval is required in Queensland and why it’s important to obtain one. We’ll also cover common building approval requirements for renovations, extensions, residential projects, commercial fitouts, and other types of building work.
When Do You Need a Building Approval in QLD?
In Queensland, a building approval is generally required before the commencement of most types of regulated building work. An approval confirms that the proposed work has been assessed against the relevant building laws, codes and standards. Here are some common types of building work where approval is likely to be required and PCG can assist with:
Decks, Patios, Pergolas and Sheds
Building approval is likely to be required where work results in:
- A deck that is roofed or higher than 1m above the deck’s natural ground surface
- A structure with a plan area greater than 10 m²
- A structure is more than 2.4 m high, with a mean height greater than 2.1 m
- A structure with any side longer than 5 m
Fencing
Building approval is likely to be required for:
- New pool fencing, including major repairs or maintenance
- Non-pool fencing with a height greater than 2 m above natural ground
Retaining Walls
Approval is likely to be required where:
- The height of the wall or the cut/fill is more than 1 m above natural ground
- The wall is closer than 1.5 m to a building or another retaining wall
- There is surcharge loading over the zone of influence for the wall
- The wall forms part of the fencing for a pool
Filling and Excavation
Building approval is likely to be required where the cut or fill exceeds 1m above or below natural ground level.
Repairs, Maintenance and Alterations
Approval is likely to be required where:
- The building or structure’s floor area or height is changed
- The work affects more than 20% of the building’s structural components of the same type
- The gross floor area (GFA) of the new work is greater than 20% of the existing GFA or more than 40 m² of a storey; including other work of the same type carried out in the previous 3 years
Signage
Approval is likely to be required where signage is:
- Attached to a building
- Higher than 2 m
- Wider than 1.2 m
Important note: This list is only a guide and cannot cover all circumstances or situations. Council zoning and overlay requirements may also affect whether approval is required, and new building work must comply with current building codes and legislation.
Do Renovations and Extensions Require a Building Approval?
Renovations and extensions may require building approval, depending on the nature and scope of the work. Common residential projects that can involve building approval in Queensland include:
- New homes and house extensions
- Swimming pools
- Dual occupancies and duplexes
- Granny flats
- Sheds, garages, and carports
- Retaining walls and ancillary structures
- Pergolas, patios, and decks
- Re-roofing where structural changes are involved
- Demolitions
This does not mean that every one of these project types will require approval in every situation. The scope and specifics of the work matter. If you're unsure whether your renovation or extension requires building approval, contact PCG to discuss your project and find out what approvals may be needed.
Do Commercial Fitouts Require a Building Approval?
For commercial tenancies, wherever work involves changes to the internal layout of the space, a building approval is usually required. This comes down to safety and compliance. Changes to the internal layout of a tenancy have the potential to affect:
- Fire safety compliance, including detection and suppression systems, sprinkler locations, and fire hose reel coverage
- Emergency egress and paths of travel in the event of an emergency
- Equitable access for all occupants
How To Tell Whether Your Project Requires a Building Approval
The best way to determine whether you need a building approval is to consider the specific details of your project and property. Relying on the project type alone is not enough.
Before starting work, consider the following steps:
- Gather the details of what you are proposing: dimensions, height, position on the property, and proximity to buildings and boundaries.
- Check those details against the relevant thresholds for your project type.
- Consider whether the property has any specific constraints, such as overlays, zoning, or proximity to infrastructure.
- Seek advice from a licensed private certifier.
Key Takeaway
So, when do you need a building approval in QLD? It depends on the project type and the extent of the work. Understanding the requirements is the first step in managing any building project responsibly. If you are unsure whether your project requires an approval, it is always best to seek advice from a licensed private certifier.
At PCG, our experienced private building certifiers help clients across Queensland get their projects approved with confidence. We manage the approval process from start to finish, including lodging documents, assessing plans, completing inspections, and issuing final sign-offs. Contact us today to request a quote.