Building Applications

Most building work within the Hinchinbrook Shire requires building approval before construction can commence. 

This page helps you: 

  • understand if your project needs approval; 

  • know who to contact (Council vs certifier); 

  • understand the approval process; and 

  • find required forms and checklists. 

Do I need building approval?

Building approval (also known as building certification or a building permit) is required for most domestic and commercial building work.

This applies whether you: 

  • use a licensed builder or contractor; or 

  • carry out the work yourself, under owner builder. 

What types of building work require approval?

Most structural building work requires approval, including (but not limited to): 

Homes and structural work 

  • New dwellings; 

  • Alterations and additions to existing buildings (including new roofs); 

  • House removal and relocation; and 

  • Demolitions. 

Garages, sheds and outdoor structures 

  • Garages, carports and sheds (including DIY kit buildings); and 

  • Roofed patios, pergolas, gazebos and shade sails. 

Please note, the Hinchinbrook Shire is a cyclonic region with a C2 cyclone rating category. All structures must be approved and certified to this cyclone rating to obtain final building approval.  

Fences and pools 

  • Fences over 2 metres above natural ground level; 

  • Fences within 1.5 metres of a building or retaining wall; and 

  • Swimming pools, spas and pool fencing. 

To confirm if your proposed works trigger the requirement for building approval, please contact a private building certifier.  

To locate a local contractor or certifier, please utilise the Find a local contractor search function on the Queensland Building and Construction Commission website.  

 

Who issues building approvals?

Private building certifiers 

You must engage a private building certifier to assess whether your proposed work complies with the Building Act 1975 and associated regulations and standards. 

All building certifiers must be registered with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). 

Council does not carry out building certification and cannot recommend a particular certifier.

The QBCC provides a Find a Licensed Certifier service. 

When is Council approval also required?

You may also need a Referral Agency Response from Council if your building work: 

  • is close to property boundaries; or 

  • is over or near Council infrastructure, including:  

  • sewers; 

  • water mains; 

  • stormwater drains; and/or 

  • combined sanitary drains. 

Your contracted building certifier will advise whether a referral to Council is required. 

Council facilitated building certification services

Council offers limited building certification services for development within the local government area. 

Where an applicant is unable to independently engage a private certifier, Council may facilitate building certification through a contracted third‑party certifier. 

This service: 

  • operates as a fallback mechanism only; 

  • includes the certifier’s Price on Application (POA) fee; and 

  • includes an additional 20% on cost recovery and administration fee. 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to seek private certification in the first instance. 

For further information or to obtain a quote, use the Request for Fee Quote link. 

 

Building approval records

Building certifiers must lodge approval documents, plans and inspection details with Council within legislated timeframes.

These records are kept for current and future property owners and retained in accordance with the Public Records Act 2023 and disposal authorisations as determined by Queensland State Archives.  

If you are unsure about the status of a building approval, you can order a Building Records Search (subject to payment of applicable application fees). 

Telecommunications in new developments

Developers and owner builders must comply with Commonwealth telecommunications requirements for new developments. 

 

Building near boundaries or site setbacks (QDC rules)

If you are building a single detached dwelling or associated structure (such as garages, carports, patios, and sheds) close to a property boundary in an urban area, you may need Council approval under the Queensland Development Code (QDC), which sets minimum boundary setback requirements for buildings and structures. 

These requirements are set out in: 

If your proposal meets all acceptable solutions of the QDC, no Council siting assessment is required. 

If it does not comply, a Referral Agency Response (Design and Siting Variation) is required. Council will assess the proposal against performance criteria considering: 

  • site constraints; 

  • surrounding development; and 

  • amenity impacts.  

Applications must include: 

  • required application form; 

  • scaled plans and documentation; 

  • written justification as to why variation is sought; and 

  • neighbour non‑objection (recommended, but non-mandatory). 

Applications are encouraged to be lodged via email, to council@hinchinbrook.qld.gov.au 

 

Document Resources

If you’re using Hinchinbrook Shire Council's contracted building certifier, the following building documentation checklists will assist you in preparing your application:

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