Survey plan endorsement for standard format and building format plans

A survey plan is a technical and legal document prepared by a qualified surveyor. Survey plans depict specific information about a property. This includes the property dimensions and boundaries.

A survey plan endorsement may be required:

  • for reconfiguring a lot - such as a subdivision or boundary realignment
  • to create a community titles scheme
  • for a building format subdivision, previously known as strata title (see more information below)
  • to establish an easement over a property.

Building format subdivision (strata title)

A building format subdivision (previously referred to as strata titling) is a form of subdivision applying to developments like units, apartment buildings, duplexes and some forms of commercial or industrial tenancies.

A building format subdivision establishes titles to allow separate ownership over parts of buildings or properties. It also establishes a common property.

Community Management Statement (CMS)

Where a building format subdivision involves common property, a Community Management Statement (CMS) is created to identify how the common areas are designated and used.

Building format subdivision endorsement

To complete a building format subdivision, a building format plan will need to be prepared by a licenced land surveyor, with a CMS. These documents will need to be submitted to us for review and endorsement.

Survey plans can only be endorsed once:
- all earthworks are complete
- connection of all essential infrastructure services, like water, sewer, telecommunications and electricity
- all construction costs, infrastructure charges and other levies and fees are paid
- all development conditions are met, including all required certificates.

You must lodge a survey plan endorsement request with us for approval before the plan can be registered with the Titles Queensland.

A survey plan endorsement checks compliance against existing conditions, development approvals, legislation and regulations. It is not an additional assessment of the original development.

Accepted survey plan formats include:

Standard format plan

A standard format plan shows how land is divided using a horizontal boundary. It identifies lot boundaries by referencing survey marks and other points on the ground.

Volumetric survey plan

A volumetric format plan shows lots using three-dimensional measurements:

  • height
  • length
  • width

Lots can be located above ground, below ground or partly above and below ground. Each lot is fully defined by its boundaries, creating a three-dimensional space, such as a cube.

A volumetric format plan can be used to divide a lot, multiple lots, and/or common property that is part of a standard format plan, building format plan or another volumetric format plan.

Building format plan

A building format plan defines lot boundaries using the structural features of a building, such as walls, floors and ceilings. It can also identify areas of common property, including visitor parking, carports, swimming pools and shared facilities.

The lots and common property together form the scheme land for a community titles scheme. A community titles scheme includes:

  • two or more lots
  • common property
  • a single body corporate.

How to apply

1

Gather your documents

You will need:

  • original survey plans with owners’ signature or provide a copy with a completed Form 18a compliance report template
  • all legal documents relevant to the application (easement, transfer, CMS etc) with correct standard terms
  • demonstration of compliance with conditions of approval (i.e. compliance report).

If any required documents are missing from your application, we will request that you to any outstanding items before we can assess your application.

2

Complete and submit your online application

Submit survey plan endorsement request

You may need to create an account:

  • Select 'Register' from the top right menu.
  • Wait for email approval. Allow two working days for the approval.
  • Once registered, log into the portal and select 'Development Applications'.

Fees apply and must be paid at time of lodgement. View fees.

3

We assess your application

We will assess your request in line with schedule 18 of the Planning Regulation 2017 (Qld). This may include an onsite inspection. If we need more information, we will contact you with details of what still needs to be completed.

Once all requirements are met, we will endorse the survey plan and contact you to find out how you would like to receive the signed plan and any other relevant documents. 

4

Register your endorsed plan with Titles Queensland

You have six months from the date of our approval to lodge the plan and relevant documents to Titles Queensland. If you don't lodge your application within 6 months, then our approval lapses and you will be required to resubmit your application to us with new lodgement fees.

As part of your development approval conditions, you may have to register the following documents with Titles Queensland along with your survey plan: 

  • easements, especially where Council owned infrastructure (stormwater, water or sewerage) is, or proposed to be located on private property
  • land transfer requests
  • covenants regarding land use and/or construction including preservation of vegetation, native animals or any cultural significance relating to the lot.

Related information

Development application process

Advice

If you require further detailed advice,contact a Technical Advice Officer.

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