BUILDING, PLUMBING & POOLS

Do I need a Building Approval?

Most types of building work requires you to have a building permit. Development Approvals for Building work must be obtained prior to commencing any building work (including renovations, alterations or additions to any building or structure on your property) and for the erection of carports, outdoor areas, shade sails, gazebos, swimming pools and swimming pool fences, spas, retaining walls, shipping containers and the like.

Please note: Coastal areas in northern Queensland have a minimum wind structural class of C2.

Don’t get ripped off – before purchasing kit buildings such as; ‘tiny homes‘, expandable ‘granny flats’, carports and sheds, you should check the company selling the product can provide you with a Structural Form 15, certifying that the buildings’ Engineered Plans have the correct structural aspects as per the National Construction Code,  so they can be approved by your Private Building Certifier, or Council’s Building Certifier – Council officers are available to help you with advice if you are unsure.

Building Certification

Building applications submitted to Council for certification (approval) are managed and assessed by Councils Building Certifiers with mandatory inspections conducted as conditioned in the building approval. The applications are assessed in accordance with the Building Act 1975 and relevant regulations and guidelines and within the time-frames set out in the statutory instrument called the Development Assessment Rules.

Building approval is required before construction can start on a new build or when altering existing structures.

The Queensland Development Code (QDC) regulates siting requirements for single detached dwellings and Class 10 type structures. If your proposed structure does not meet these requirements, then a Boundary Siting Dispensation application will also need to be lodged with Council. In some instances, a Planning Development Application may also be required and any questions relating to Development Applications including relaxation of siting requirements should be directed to Council’s Planning Officer.

Please refer to the fact sheets below to assist in finding out if you need to lodge a building application.

Cook Shire Council’s Building Certifiers are available for pre-lodgement meetings on most Thursday mornings. Please book at least two days ahead by calling Customer Service on 07 4082 0500 or emailing mail@cook.qld.gov.au, as same-day appointments may not be available.

Please bring:

• your design or concept
• any draft plans
• a site plan showing boundaries, existing structures and the proposed works

Building Certifiers can explain what your application needs to address, but they can’t give design or construction advice. Their role is to assess the application and material you submit. For advice on designing or building your project, please consult a qualified builder, designer or other building professional.

Information on the Building and Renovating Process

The Queensland Building Construction Commission (QBCC) website has the ‘Homeowners guide to building and renovating ‘ to assist you with the steps and processes for your new project.

 Lodging a Building Application

Building applications can be lodged directly with Council, or you can engage the services of a Private Certifier.  To submit your application with Cook Shire, with all the required documents and plans, please refer to our information sheet – Building Application Guidelines to assist you with your application and the building application form  DA Form 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to use a QBCC Licensed Contractor?
• Can I be the Owner Builder for my project?
• Can I live in my shed, it has a toilet and shower but it was built as a Class 10a domestic shed? 
• How do I convert my shed into a House Class 1a?
• Can I put a Tiny Home on my land?
• I have a transportable (donga) house, do I need a Building Permit? Yes, you will need a permit – the building becomes a structure once on site and requires approval in Queensland.
• What Class (type) is my building?
• Can I have a ‘granny flat’ or secondary dwelling on my property?

Fences and Retaining Walls

You will need a Building Approval if:

• You are building a fence higher than 2 metres above the natural ground surface;
• A regulated Pool Fence;
• Retaining walls more than 1 metre in height.

Disputes about Fences, Trees and Buildings

Fences built on shared property lines can often cause disputes between neighbours regarding types of fences, costs and sharing costs.  The Queensland Government regulates fencing under the Neighbour Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011, and provides information and paperwork regarding legal responsibilities as a fence owner, including a step-by-step consultation process and how to manage disputes.  Please see the Queensland Government guides on avoiding, resolving and mediating tree and fences disputes.