Report unauthorised building work

Our compliance officers investigate any reports or allegations of unauthorised building, plumbing and drainage work, or violations to acceptable land use. We are responsible for ensuring building and planning follows the Queensland Government's Building Act 1975 (Qld) and the Planning Act 2016 (Qld).

Some examples of unauthorised work include:

  • works carried out without a development approval (DA)
  • unauthorised plumbing work
  • unfenced and unsafe swimming pool areas
  • land use violations, such as operating a business from a residential premise without our authorisation
  • not complying with DA conditions
  • building works that did not received a final inspection certificate or certificate of classification.

Building and development approval search

The following pages have information about how to check if a property has the relevant approvals:

Reporting a breach

To report a building or development breach, call us on 131 872.

You can make a complaint anonymously, but we prefer to have your contact details in case we need to ask further questions as part of the investigation. We will always keep your details in confidence and will not release them. 

Show cause and enforcement notices

We examine the facts and circumstances of any report or complaint to determine if we need to proceed with enforcement action. If we reasonably believe you may be responsible for the breach, you will receive a show cause notice.

This gives you the opportunity to provide your perspective during the investigation. While you may not have originally undertaken the works, responsibility passes to the new owner when a property transfer is completed.

If further enforcement action is needed, you may receive an enforcement notice and/or a penalty infringement notice.  

For more information, contact a Technical Advice Officer.

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