Building near a boundary or infrastructure

There are rules for how far single detached dwellings must be from property and road boundaries. These rules also apply to other structures and outbuildings, such as sheds, garages and attached duplexes.

The Queensland Development Code (QDC) sets out the requirements for locating detached housing on a property. These include:

  • boundary setbacks (the smallest distance a structure can be from a boundary)
  • site coverage
  • car parking.

There are different requirements for lots under and over 450m2.

In some instances, the Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme may provide alternative building requirements. These include different setbacks for dwellings and outbuildings in a Rural Zone and alternative site coverage requirements in a Rural Residential Zone.

Standards for lots under 450m2

In line with QDC mandatory part (MP) 1.1, design and siting standards apply for single detached dwellings, carports and garages on lots under 450m2.

Generally, the proposed buildings must:

  • be 3m or 4m from all road boundaries, depending on the street type
  • be 1.5m from side and rear boundaries
  • not cover more than 50% of the site with a roofed area.

For buildings or structures higher than 4.5m, different side and rear boundary setbacks apply.

If you meet these requirements, as well as the other requirements in QDC MP 1.1, you do not need to apply for a siting discretion.

There are some exceptions for structures that meet certain criteria.

If you need advice about the development assessment (DA) process, contact one of our Technical Advice Officers.

Standards for lots 450m2 and over

In line with QDC MP 1.2, design and siting standards apply for single detached dwellings, carports and garages on lots 450m2 and over.

Generally, the proposed buildings must:

  • be 6m from all road boundaries, including corner lots and lots with multiple road or laneway frontages
  • be 1.5m from all side and rear property boundaries
  • not cover more than 50% of the site with a roofed area.

For buildings or structures higher than 4.5m, different side and rear boundary setbacks may apply.

If you meet these requirements, as well as the other requirements in QDC MP 1.2, you do not need to apply for a siting discretion.

There are some exceptions for structures that meet certain criteria. These include:

  • swimming pools
  • roofed gatehouses
  • fences and retaining walls up to 2m high
  • a carport in the front boundary setback, with no alternative location or side access past the house
  • a shed or carport to the side or rear boundary, provided the total building length in the same setback is less than 9m
  • nominating road frontage for a corner lot less than 24m wide.

If you meet the criteria for any of these exceptions, you don't need to confirm this in writing.

If you need advice about the development assessment (DA) process, contact one of our Technical Advice Officers.

Approvals and plans for new subdivisions

When an estate is approved for subdivision, the developer may put either of the following in place:

  • a preliminary approval
  • variation approval
  • plan of development. 

These may provide additional design requirements.  

If you're purchasing a lot in a new estate, check with your developer or real estate agent to see if any of these are in place. 

If you need advice about the development assessment (DA) process, contact one of our Technical Advice Officers.

Attached and detached duplex housing

There are different design and siting standards for attached and detached duplex housing. 

For information on attached duplex requirements, see QDC MP 1.3.

In most instances, the Planning Scheme or a development approval may override QDC MP 1.3. Contact a private town planner or one of our Technical Advice Officers to confirm.

Building over or near Council infrastructure

Buildings must be clear of Council infrastructure. This includes water, sewer or stormwater services. 

If the proposed building is over or near infrastructure, you may be asked to:

  • submit an application to us
  • have a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) prepare a suitable footing or slab design
  • move the structure to meet the requirements.

For more information on building over or near infrastructure, see QDC MP 1.4.

Siting discretion or referral for building work

If you can’t meet the setback requirements or you want to build a structure within the setbacks, you’ll need to apply for a siting discretion. This is also called a referral for building work. You also need a building approval.

To find out if you need a building works application, call 131 872 and ask to speak to our Building Certification team. 

You can apply online, by email or in person. Provide as much detail as possible in your application, including supporting reasons for your request.

To apply, see Referrals for building work.

Assessing your application

After you submit your application, we'll do a site inspection of the property.

We'll assess the proposal in your application and advise you of the outcome.

You must have all necessary approvals in place before starting any work.

For more advice, contact our Technical Advice Team.

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