Development applications

Under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA) it is mandatory that applicants provide certain information when lodging a development application.  The application forms must be current and properly completed in order to make the application. They contain mandatory (required by SPA) and supporting sections and provide Council with information necessary to undertake assessment of the application.  The forms are available from the State government website and are periodically updated. IDAS forms change from time to time, however SPA requires the "current form" to be submitted with all applications, otherwise the application is invalid.

Requirements of a well-made development application

  • All applications must contain the written consent of the land owner prior to the lodgement of the application.
  • A proposal report describing how the proposed development achieves the compliance with each of the Performance Criteria of each of the relevant Planning Scheme Codes triggered.
  • Supporting information and plans, including identifying what is existing development and what is proposed development.  Elements of good plans include:
    • a north point.
    • a scale (generally 1:100 or 1:200).
    • a title of the plan.
    • a date the plan was prepared.
    • the author of the plan.
    • a drawing or map number/page identifier - see an example of a site plan in the related documents area.

Hillslopes applications

Specific requirements for hillslopes applications are:

  • Bulk earthworks i.e. extent of cut &/or fill proposed
  • Contour plans 
  • Finished floor levels in relation to existing and/or natural ground levels 
  • Specifications of batters &/or retaining walls 
  • Existing vegetation and the identification of any vegetation proposed to be removed - identify species if possible 
  • Drainage to a lawful point of discharge 
  • Any geotechnical reports 
  • Proposed colour scheme for all structures 
  • Wastewater report for applications in unsewered areas 
  • Existing watercourses, including seasonal watercourses/drainage gullies

Character applications

 Specific requirements for character applications are:
  • The proposed finished facade to be presented to the street.
  • Specification of the exterior finishes and colours proposed.
  • Demonstration of seamless transition of existing and proposed works.
  • Supporting evidence (photos where applicable).
  • Details of any proposed fences to road frontages.
  • Plan or photos of streetscape if new building proposed

What to include in the development application

A development application must be made in the appropriate manner prescribed by the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA).  Development applications must include:

  • One (1) copy of the relevant application IDAS forms and IDAS Checklists website
  • Three (3) copies of the plans and supporting information (eg. reports) and include at least one (1) A3 copy of the plans.
  • An unlocked CD containing all plans and supporting information as individual PDF documents.
  • The prescribed fees and charges

Submit a development application online

Smart eDA is a State Government initiative supported by the Local Government Association of Queensland. At the Smart eDA website, applicants can prepare and submit all development applications online. Smart eDA website.