Building work that needs approval

Some building work is self-assessable and doesn't need a building permit. Learn more about self-assessable building work.

All other building work needs our approval.

You can lodge applications with:

• our customer service centres
• the Duty Building Certifier in the Toowoomba Service Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 4.30pm
• a private building certifier (licensed with the Queensland Building Services Authority).

In considering approvals, we will also look at:

• building work outside the setback provisions in our planning schemes and the Queensland Development Code (QDC)
• proposed use of the building that's inconsistent with the planning scheme
• buildings near council-maintained sewer, stormwater or water mains
• the amenity and aesthetics of the building.

Some building activities also need our approval, such as work that:

• takes place on sites affected by tree preservation
• causes building and construction site noise
• deposits material on footpaths
• involves vehicle crossings and driveway gradients within a footpath area
• involves erecting signs
• requires soil and erosion control for site works.

Referral agency approval for building activities

Under the Building Regulation 2021 (Qld), other agencies may also be part of the approval process. These include:

• Queensland Fire and Rescue
• Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
• Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
• Queensland Health
• Department of Transport and Main Roads
• Queensland Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services
• Safe Food Queensland.