The Queensland Development Code (QDC) defines where and how single dwelling houses and associated structures are located on a property. These structures can include a dwelling house and/or associated structures such as; a new dwelling, house extension, carport, shed, patio, alfresco, swimming pools, retaining wall and fences.
The parts of the Queensland Development Code that apply to these forms of residential development include:
- MP1.1 - Design and Siting Standard for single Detached Housing on allotments less than 450m2
- MP1.2 - Design and Siting Standard for single Detached Housing on allotments 450m2 and over
- MP1.3 – Design and Siting Standard for Duplex Housing
The QDC is governed by the Building Act 1975 (the Building Act) and contains two design and siting standard sections relating to the lot sizes and one for duplex housing. There are different setback requirements for lots under 450 square metres, lots 450 square metres and over and duplex housing. A design and siting concurrence agency referral application is required if the proposal does not adopt one or more of the acceptable solutions in the QDC.
The Redland City Plan also has requirements if your property is located in a precinct relating to the design and siting of dwelling houses and dual occupancies. These requirements, if any, are identified in the relevant zone code.
Acceptable solutions
The Acceptable solutions outline what building works are deemed acceptable. If the proposed works meet the Acceptable solutions, a request for a referral agency response to Council is not required.
Performance criteria
Where the proposed building works do not comply with the relevant Acceptable solutions, an assessment is required against the Performance criteria where Council can provide advice as a referral agency.
A private building certifier is required to be engaged prior to requesting referral agency advice from Council. The performance criteria from the QDC allows Council to assess each property on its individual merit as every site and proposal is different.
The QDC is located here on the Queensland Government’s website.
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The City Plan provides alternate siting provisions in certain zonings such as LDR1, LDR2, LDR3, LDR4 or LDR5.
These include variations to provisions contained in parts MP1.1, MP1.2 an MP1.3 of the QDC such as:-
- Heights of buildings related to obstruction and overshadowing
- Siting and design of buildings to provide visual privacy and adequate sight lines
- On-site parking
- Outdoor living spaces
- Alternative boundary clearances
- Alternative site cover
It may also regulate other matters, such as designating land liable to flooding, designating land as bushfire prone areas and transport noise corridors; Refer to City Plan part 1.6 for further information.
If you are located in one of these precincts, your private building certifier can review the requirements or please contact Council’s Customer Service Team for further information.
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Your proposal may require a development application subject to either code or impact assessment under the City Plan if you are located in a non-residential zoning or have an overlay which may change the level of assessment.
If your proposal does require a code or impact assessable development application a design and siting application will be assessed in this one application.
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While there is no legislative requirement to consult with your affected neighbour, it is an opportunity to advise your neighbour of the proposal and to consider design solutions to address any concerns, before lodging an application with Council.
Advice for neighbours
There is no law that requires a homeowner to consult with the community regarding a siting variation. For this reason, there are no appeal rights for neighbours.