Before you build or develop

Before starting any building or development project, it’s important to understand the planning rules that apply to your property.

This page steps you through the key things to check before you begin, including zoning, overlays, approval requirements and where to get advice.

1. Check your property details

Start by identifying the planning controls that apply to your land:

  • the zone your property is in; and
  • any overlays (such as flooding, bushfire or environmental constraints).

You can do this by using Council’s Planning Scheme or mapping tools.

2. Understand your proposed development

Consider the type of work you are planning, for example:

  • Building Application – building a house, shed or extension;
  • Material Change of Use – changing how a property is used;
  • Reconfiguration of Land – subdividing land or rearrangement of property boundaries; or
  • Operational Works – filling or excavation of land.

Not all development is assessed in the same way. The planning scheme sets different requirements depending on the type of development proposed.

3. Find out if approval is required

Not all development needs Council approval.

The planning scheme, Tables of Assessment (Part 5), categorises development to show whether it:

  • does not require approval (Accepted Development);
  • requires building approval only; or
  • requires a development application and approval from Council, and the level of assessment (being either, Code or Impact Assessable).

This depends on what you are proposing and where your property is located.

4. Planning Scheme requirements

If development approval is required, your proposal will require assessment against the relevant:

  • planning scheme codes;
  • zone code; and
  • overlays.

These set requirements for things like building height, setbacks, access, parking and environmental protection.

5. Infrastructure considerations and other costs

Some development may:

  • incur infrastructure charges; and/or
  • require upgrades to services such as water, sewer or road access.

Understanding these costs early can help with planning and budgeting associated with a development approval.

6. Get advice early

Council encourages customers to seek advice early, especially for more complex proposals.

Speaking with Council’s Planning and Development Team or booking a pre‑lodgement meeting by calling (07) 4776 4600, visiting 25 Lannercost Street, Ingham QLD 4850, or emailing council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au can:

  • clarify approval requirements and pathways;
  • identify potential issues early; and
  • reduce delays once an application is lodged.

You may also wish to seek independent advice from a qualified town planner, designer or building professional.

7. Lodging an application

If your proposal requires an approval, you can lodge a development application with Council once all required information is prepared.

Council will assess the application against the planning scheme and relevant legislation, in accordance with legislative timeframe requirements.

Need help?

Council’s Planning and Development Team can assist you at any stage of the process.

If you’re unsure where to start, contacting Council early can save time and help your project be streamlined by calling (07) 4776 4600.

 

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