Do I need Building approval?
A Building approval is required when a structure is proposed to be built or altered to ensure it will be structurally safe and located appropriately to meet the requirements under the Building Act 1975 and relevant regulations and guidelines. In some instances, a Referral Agency Response application and/or a Development Application may also be required.
The Queensland Development Code regulates siting requirements for single detached dwellings and Class 10 type structures. If your proposed structure does not meet these requirements, then a Referral Agency Response application will also need to be lodged.
A Planning Scheme may have ‘alternative provisions’ which provide boundary setbacks that conflict with the Queensland Development Code. Where such provisions exist, then those provisions override the Queensland Development Code. Check the Rockhampton Region Planning Scheme for any alternative provisions relating to boundary setbacks.
Please refer to the fact sheets below to determine if you will be required to lodge a building application.
Building Inspectors are available for pre-lodgement discussions by contacting the Development Advice Centre on (07) 4936 8099. Please note same day appointments may not be possible.
Lodging a Building application
Once you know your building proposal requires building approval, you can lodge your building application directly with Council or engage the services of a Private Certifier. To lodge your application with Council, the following documentation will be required:
In addition to the above, the following documents may also be required:
- Floor plan (not required for carports, sheds, garages etc)
- QBCC Home Warranty Insurance (if builder is a registered builder and project value is greater than $3,300)
- PLSL Receipt (if project value is greater than $150,000)
- Owner Builder Permit (if owner builder project is greater than $11,000)
- Form 15's (engineer drawings/specifications/design certification) – specifications of the fitout, bracing, timber schedule, tiedown details etc. If connected to a building, then connection details will also be required. If timber trusses to be installed, then timber truss layout/tiedown details will be required.
- Wind Category Design Certification
- Energy Efficiency Design Calculations
- Window/Door Sizes
- Method of termite treatment used
- Soil Test Report (for new/relocated dwelling or where additions exceed 50% of the floor area of the existing dwelling)
For further information on how to lodge your application, please refer to our Fact Sheet(PDF, 963KB) .
For further information regarding QBCC Home Warranty Insurance or Owner Building, please visit the QBCC website.
Where to lodge your application
Email: developmentadvice@rrc.qld.gov.au
Post: PO Box 1860, Rockhampton QLD 4700
Visit: Development Advice Centre
Level 2, Walter Reid Cultural Centre, Corner Derby Street and East Street, Rockhampton City
Customer Service Centre
Rockhampton Office - City Hall, 232 Bolsover Street, Rockhampton City
Gracemere Office - 1 Ranger Street, Gracemere
Mount Morgan Office - 32 Hall Street, Mount Morgan
Lodgement Fees
View Council's Fees and Charges for Development Compliance - Building.
Assessment Process
The process for assessing an application is legislated under the Planning Act 2016.
Council will assess building applications against required legislation and regulations within the timeframes set by the legislation.
A Building approval is required when a structure is proposed to be built or altered to ensure it will be structurally safe and located appropriately to meet the requirements under the Building Act 1975 and relevant regulations and guidelines.