The Queensland Development Code (QDC) sets out specific design, setback and siting requirements for detached dwelling houses (i.e. Class 1a), except where the Southern Downs Planning Scheme identifies an alternative requirements.

The Southern Downs Planning Scheme identifies alternative setback provisions for dwelling houses in the Rural zone, and on lots more than 1.0 hectares in the Rural residential zone, as follows:

Rural residential zone – on a lot more than 1 ha, 10 m from boundaries of the lot

Rural zone - 60 m from the side and rear boundaries, and any boundary with a gravel road

Planning approval is required from Council to build a dwelling within these required setbacks.

The setbacks for dwelling on other allotments are stipulated as Acceptable Solutions in the following parts of the Queensland Development Code (QDC), which can be accessed on the website of the Department of Housing and Public Works:

• MP1.1 - Design and Siting Standard for single Detached Housing on lots under 450m²
• MP1.2 - Design and Siting Standard for single Detached Housing on lots 450m² and over

For example, the standard setbacks required for a single storey dwelling on an allotment of at least 450m2 and a road frontage of more than 15 metres are:

• 6 metres from the front road boundary;  and
• 1.5 metres from the side and rear boundaries.

Different requirements apply for dwellings over 4.5 metres in height, or located on a corner allotment or narrow lot.  You will need to check the QDC to determine what setbacks apply to your land.

If you propose to construct a dwelling within the setbacks required by the QDC you will need to refer your building application to Council, and demonstrate how you can comply with the relevant Performance Criteria of the QDC.

You can view the details of recent development approvals by conducting an Application Search on Council’s Online Services .  Details are available for applications received from 1 January 2010, except for Operational Works applications which are available from 1 September 2013.

A Building Records Search (~~~DocAnnotation.type.111078~~~ ~~~DocAnnotation.size.111078~~~) will give you details of the building approvals that have been issued for a particular address.  A building records search does not provide copies of building plans or documents. 

You can also obtain further details by requesting a Planning and Development Certificate (~~~DocAnnotation.type.111078~~~ ~~~DocAnnotation.size.111078~~~) :

A Standard Planning and Development Certificate provides general town planning information regarding the land: e.g. the zoning, what overlays apply, and whether there are any outstanding infrastructure charges.  It also includes copies of all development approvals that relate to the land. This certificate can take up to 10 business days to prepare.

A Full Planning and Development Certificate provides all the information in a standard certificate, and includes comments regarding compliance will all conditions of development approvals for the land. This certificate can take up to 30 business days to prepare.

If you intend conducting an entertainment event on a regular basis, a planning approval may be required.  Please contact Council to discuss this type of activity with a Planning Officer.

If you intend conducting a single Temporary Entertainment Event, you may need a local law permit under Subordinate Local Law 1.12 (Operation of Temporary Entertainment Events) 2011. 

Refer to Entertainment Event Permits for more information, or contact Council to speak with a Development Compliance Officer.

If a building is a Local Heritage place, it will be included on the Local Heritage Register (PDF 681.9KB) .

To search for properties on the Queensland Heritage Register, you can use the website of the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection .

For information on what it means to have a heritage listed property, refer to the fact sheet on Development of a Place on the Local Heritage Register (PDF 283.9KB).  This fact sheet also includes information on Queensland Heritage Places (i.e. properties that are State heritage listed).

Development applications that are subject to impact assessment must undergo a public notification period of at least 15 business days.  During this period, a copy of the application can be viewed at Council’s office, and members of the public may lodge submissions regarding the proposed development.

The submission must be a ‘properly made submission’ to be considered by Council and to allow the submitter to the right to appeal in relation to Council’s decision.

To be a ‘properly made submission’, a submission must:

• be in writing  and, unless the submission is made via email, be signed by each person who made the submission
• be received by Council before the close of the notification period
• state the name and address of each person who made the submission
• state the grounds of the submission and the facts and circumstances relied on in support of the grounds.

When stating the grounds of a submission and the facts and circumstances relied on, it is important to focus on planning issues such as:

• whether the proposed use is consistent with the intent for the area as expressed in the planning scheme
• whether the scale and design of the proposed development is compatible with surrounding developmentany potential traffic and car parking issues associated with the development
• hours of operation (for commercial activities)
• how the development impacts on drainage in the area
• how the development protects and enhances the natural environment.

Submissions can be made to Council by emailing to mail@sdrc.qld.gov.au, or posting them to the following address:

The Assessment Manager
Southern Downs Regional Council
PO Box 26
WARWICK  QLD  4370

The land within the Sugarloaf Forestry area is included in the Limited Development (constrained land) zone under the Southern Downs Planning Scheme. 

The historic subdivision of Sugarloaf Forestry is not an urban or rural residential area, but is an area for forestry and rural activity. Residential development on the small lots within the Sugarloaf Forestry is restricted as it is not an area which is suitable for future residential or rural residential development. 

Any proposal to construct a building for any purpose on a lot less than 20 hectares in the Sugarloaf Forestry requires planning approval prior to a building approval being issued for the structure.  The construction of any buildings other than rural sheds on lots less than 20 hectares is effectively prohibited.

Unless you have a lot of at least 20 hectares you cannot construct a dwelling on the land.  No use of a building for residential purposes on either a permanent, temporary or intermittent basis is allowed on a lot less than 20 hectares.

If you apply to Council for approval for a shed on an allotment less than 20 ha, you will need to demonstrate that the shed is required for rural purposes and will only be used for rural purposes (e.g. it does not include a bathroom, toilet, kitchen, etc.).  You will need to include details of what rural activities you will be undertaking on the land.    

The zoning of land indicates the type of development that is appropriate in the various parts of the region, and whether planning approval is required for various development and the level of assessment required.

The zoning of land if different from the categories used for rating purposes, i.e. the category which appears on your rates notice.

To find the zoning of your land, you can use Council's online mapping system:

1.    Choose the ‘Planning’ module at the top left of the screen.  The map that generates will automatically show the colours that represent the different zones.
2.    Tick the box next to ‘Planning Scheme (Legend)’ to the bottom left of the screen in the list of ‘Layers’, and expand the legend by clicking on the ‘+’.  This will show you which colour represents each zone.
3.    The Rural zone is further classified Precincts.  The precincts can be viewed by ticking the ‘Rural Precincts’ layer and expanding the legend by clicking on the ‘+’.

You can also use the process to view any overlays that may apply to the land.