Know what you can build in QLD before you buy the site
Queensland planning runs on a unique two-axis framework: four development types (MCU, Building Work, OPW, ROL) crossed with four assessment categories (Accepted, Code, Impact, Prohibited). The classification determines determination time, public notification, appeal rights and risk profile. Get the assessment right before you commit to a site.
What you assume vs what QLD planning actually does
Three common mismatches between assumption and Queensland reality — and how our tools cover them.
“You see a site is in a Low-Medium Density Residential zone and assume dual occupancy is fine”
Reality: QLD councils set materially different lot-size thresholds for dual occupancy — typically 400-600 sqm depending on the council. The Land Use Table classifies dual occupancy as accepted-subject-to-requirements, code, impact or prohibited based on the specific zone code in that council's scheme. We help you find the right Land Use Table entry before you commit.
“You think your code-assessable DA will sail through Brisbane City Council in 6-8 weeks”
Reality: Even code-assessable DAs in Brisbane average 12-18 weeks — and longer if the project triggers SARA referrals (state-controlled roads, koala habitat, coastal management, etc.). Brisbane's RiskSMART fast-track promises 5 business days but only for the smallest projects meeting strict eligibility. We flag the realistic timeline based on your specific project.
“You design to the LEP — sorry, the planning scheme — height and FSR and assume you can lodge a code-assessable DA”
Reality: Many projects classified as code-assessable still trigger SARA referrals or Schedule 9 of the Planning Regulation 2017. State-controlled road frontage adds 3-4 months. Coastal management areas (Coastal Management Plan) trigger DPHI referral. Koala SPRP triggers biodiversity referral. Our title search + AI analysis flags these before lodgement.
QLD tools we recommend for qld property developers
Each tool is positioned for your specific use case — the right one depends on how committed you are to the project.
Free QLD Council Finder
Find your council's online planning tool. Step-by-step instructions for every QLD LGA, plus the council planning scheme link and contact details.
QLD Title Search
Order title, plan and dealings from Titles Queensland. Includes free AI plain-English summary of every covenant, easement and registered restriction. Same-day delivery before 4pm AEST.
Free QLD Zone Explainer
Learn what each QLD planning zone permits, prohibits and limits — from LDR through HDR, centre zones, industry, rural and special-purpose zones.
Free QLD Pathway Guide
Material Change of Use, Building Work, Operational Work, Reconfiguring a Lot — plus accepted / code / impact / prohibited assessment categories explained.
Ready to add planning intelligence to your work?
Cut the guesswork. Run a $34 title search on every site you shortlist before signing a contract. Use the free zone + pathway guides to brief your designer with the right pathway from day one. Get in touch when you need a planner-led second opinion on a complex MCU or impact-assessable DA.