Plumbing Approval

Do I need Plumbing approval?

 All plumbing work in Queensland is regulated by state government legislative requirements and is categorised as:

  • Permit Work
  • Notifiable work
  • Minor work
  • Unregulated work

Only permit work requires an application to be lodged with Council for assessment.

Permit Work

Permit Work is more complex in nature than other types of plumbing and drainage work and has a higher risk of failure. Any plumbing and drainage work that is not defined as Notifiable Work, Minor Work or Unregulated Work is therefore Permit Work. Permit Work must be performed by a licensed person and be assessed by Council for compliance with the regulations. A Permit must be obtained prior to commencing work.  Further information regarding Permit Work is also available from the QBCC website.

Notifiable Work

A Form 4 (Notifiable Work) is required to be submitted to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) within 10 business days of completing the work. Notifiable Work does not require Council approval or inspections, however Council may audit the work for compliance with the technical standards. A list of what is defined as Notifiable Work is detailed in the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019.  Further information regarding notifiable work is also available from the QBCC website.

Minor Work

Minor Work must be performed by a licensed person, but does not require notification to council or the QBCC.  A list of what is defined as minor work is detailed in the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019.  Further information regarding minor work is also available from the QBCC website.

Unregulated Work

Unregulated work is plumbing and drainage work that does not require council approval or notification. No licence is required to perform this work.  A list of what is defined as unregulated work is detailed in the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019.  Further information regarding unregulated work is also available from the QBCC website

Lodging a Plumbing application

Once you know your proposed plumbing and drainage works require plumbing approval, the following documentation will be required to lodge your plumbing application:

  • Form 1
  • Site Plan
  • Floor Plan
  • Elevations Plan
  • Proposed Sanitary Drainage / Hydraulic Plan
  • Site Soil Classification Report
  • Sanitary Articulation Design Plan (if site classification is H, E or P)
  • On-Site Sewerage Design Plan/Report (if applicable)

Please note all Commercial Projects must be quoted before an application can be lodged by providing the completed Form 1 and relevant plans.

For further information on how to lodge your application, please refer to our Fact Sheet(PDF, 639KB)   on lodging applications.

Where to lodge your application

 Online:            eServices - Applications

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 - Plumbing.

Assessment Process

The process for assessing an application is legislated under the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019. Council will assess plumbing applications against required legislation and regulations within the timeframes set by the legislation.

Back to top