Q. I don’t know where to start. Can you help?
A. Yes, certainly. Start by either emailing or calling to discuss your project. There are no fees
charged for making an enquiry.
Q. What is a Development Permit?
A. A development permit is an approval issued for some form of work to be undertaken or
authorises a change to occur. A Development Permit may be planning related (MCU –
material change of use), civil (operational work) or issued for building work (building approval).
Q. What is a Concurrence Agency Approval?
A. A concurrence agency approval is an approval in principle by an authority that has
jurisdiction over a particular aspect of a proposal. A common simple example is a siting
concession by the council allowing a reduced boundary clearance.
Q. What is a Preliminary Approval?
A. A preliminary approval agrees to something in principal but does not give permission for
the work to commence. A preliminary approval is often requested to assist with staging
larger projects or alternatively, to agree to something initially giving the applicant a degree
of certainty for their proposal.
Q. What is the difference between a building permit & a building approval?
A. Documents & approvals have had name changes over time with legislation updates. A
“building approval” that is issued as a development permit is the current name given to the
traditional “building permit”.
Q. Do I have to pay council building fees in addition to your fee?
A. No. The building application & inspection fees charged are not duplicated by Council. The
fees payable for an application will often include related Council fees (e.g.lodgement/archival)
but these are clearly separated on the tax invoice.
Q. When do I need to use a builder or get an owner builder permit?
A. All builder licensing and owner builder requirements can be found on the QBCC Website.
Q. How do I calculate the value of work for the application form?
A. The value of the work on the building application (DA form 2) is not always the actual cost
of the work. It is intended to be the total cumulative value of the work, as if the work was
being done under contract by industry professionals.
Q. I need a building approval for an existing structure. Can this be done?
A. Sometimes, but not always. Under these circumstances it is recommended you contact us
direct with specific details for further discussion.
Q. Do I need to use a licensed building designer for my plans?
A. Yes. However, QBCC licensees and owner builders may produce plans for their own
jobs for a limited range of work. More licensing information can be found on the QBCC Website.
Q. Do I need an engineer (RPEQ)?
A. For structural aspects, most likely, unless your building designer has the necessary
experience, qualifications and is deemed competent to fully detail the proposal in
accordance with the relevant codes & standards.
Q. I want to build a kit shed to live in? Can I do this?
A. A shed is not designed or intended to be approved for habitable purposes. Shed
construction standards are substantially different to those applicable to a house. You may
however seek approval to build a house that resembles a shed in physical appearance if the
structure complies with all housing standards. For this type of proposal, it is recommended
you discuss design options with a licensed building designer or architect.
Q. I want to use a shipping container for storage in my yard. Do I need approval?
A. Yes, if the shipping container is not transient. The Fraser Coast Regional Council have a
shipping container fact sheet providing more information. Refer www.frasercaost.qld.gov.au
Q. I’ve submitted an application. When can I start work?
A. You are not permitted to start any building work on site before you receive your copy of
the building approval & approved plans. This approval is issued subject to job specific
conditions and may affect how you are required to undertake the work.
Q. I’m not sure if I am going to finish before the approval expires. What do I do?
A. Submit an application for an extension of time (Change Application Form) , before the
lapsing date. This is generally the most economical way to extend the completion time for
an approval. Contact us direct for more specific details.
Q. Do I need to connect the downpipes before the Final Inspection?
A. Yes. All roof water discharge is to be connected to a suitable point of discharge. This
varies with the building location but is typically the street kerb & channel, storage tank with
overflow connection, or stormwater main provided. You may need council approval if you
want to install stormwater drainage outside of your property boundaries, within an
easement or alternatively, connect to council infrastructure. In these circumstances, contact
your local council for their specific requirements before you commence work.