A development approval is required before you start building and/or plumbing and drainage work on your property. This includes renovations, alterations and additions, and before constructing retaining walls, carports and swimming pools. Council officers can inspect and approve your construction project in line with State laws and regulations.
Council provides a number of information packs to assist residents planning a construction project.
Commercial/Industrial Buildings
Council has limited capacity to receive and assess Commercial / industrial building applications therefore Council recommends you lodge the application with a private certifier.
Water approvals for plumbing applications
Evidence of water approval must be provided from Queensland Urban Utilities (QUU) at the application stage if located in a reticulated supply service area. For further details contact QUU on 13 26 57.
Plumbing and Drainage Notifiable Works
Notifiable work is the work a plumber or drainer can do without a local government permit or any need for mandatory inspections. All plumbing work outside the Schedule of Notifiable Works (Form 4) requires Council approval prior to commencement of work.
FACT SHEET
More information of plumbing and drainage Notifiable Minor Works is provided by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.
On-site Sewerage Systems
On-site sewerage facilities (OSSF) are used to treat sewage generated from a premise that is located in an unsewered area. The OSSF must be located within property boundaries which includes the land application area. OSSF include all types of wastewater treatment and land application, such as septic tanks, aerated wastewater treatment systems, biofilter systems, composting toilets, and activated sludge systems. These systems are required in areas not serviced by sewerage infrastructure.
FACT SHEET
Backflow Prevention Devices
Backflow prevention refers to the prevention of a reverse flow of water from a possible polluted source into a water supply system including a main water supply system.
Rainwater tanks
Since February 2013, rainwater tanks have been optional for new homes built in the Scenic Rim and connected to a full town water supply. Scenic Rim properties connected to a mixed demand (trickle feed) supply or those which rely exclusively on rainwater or bulk water deliveries still require a rainwater tank.
RAINWATER TANK GUIDE
Temporary Dwellings
People who are building their own home and wish to live on-site must obtain a temporary accommodation licence from Council. For further information contact Council's Environmental Health department on (07) 5540 5111. To apply customers should read the checklist and complete the application.
Asbestos
Asbestos is the generic term for a number of fibrous silicate minerals. Products made from asbestos cement - a bonded asbestos material - include fibro sheeting (flat and profiled) guttering and downpipes, as well as other pipes for water, drainage or flues, corrugated roofing sheets, roofing shingles and guttering. Before the health risks were known, asbestos products were widely used because they were durable, fire resistant and had good insulation properties. The manufacture and use of asbestos products was banned nationally from 31 December 2003.
Swimming pool regulations
For information on swimming pool safety regulations visit the Queensland Building and Construction (QBCC).
Stormwater
Council receives a number of complaints each year regarding stormwater run-off and overland flow from private land causing a nuisance to an adjoining or downstream property. Council's intervention powers are limited but can respond to complaints relating to nuisances and flooding as a result of illegally constructed building and structures.
Neighbourhood Disputes
The Queensland Government regulates fencing, including how disputes between neighbours are resolved. The Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011 deals with issues such as constructing and repairing fences that divide adjoining land. The Department of Justice and Attorney General can help you to avoid conflict with your neighbour about fences. If you and your neighbour can't resolve the problem, the State Justice Department Dispute Resolution Centre can provide mediation without legal action. If an agreement can't be reached, the dispute can be taken to the Magistrates Court or the Small Claims Tribunal.