Building Frequently Asked Questions
A BAL is a Bushfire Attack Level. This is an assessment made on a particular property with reference to the topography, vegetation type and spread and distance from a proposed dwelling to any vegetation.
A BAL is the expected amount of heat that will impact the proposed dwelling in the event of a bushfire and is expressed as values of Low, 12.5, 19, 29, 40 or Flame Zone.
The BAL will influence the method and materials used to construct the proposed dwelling to ensure construction is in accordance with AS3959-2009 Building in a bushfire prone area.
Council will only accept BAL Assessment reports that are prepared by a suitably qualified, competent person. Please contact Council for further advice.
Matters relating to dividing fences are governed by the Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011
A building approval is required if the base diameter of the circular rainwater tank exceeds 3.5 metres, the base length exceeds 5 metres or the overall height exceeds 2.4 metres.
Yes, if it is intended that the shipping is to be retained on the site for a period of more than six months, or the shipping container will be fixed to the land, building approval must be obtained for the shipping container.
Please see Shipping Containers section for further information.
Swimming pool fencing is governed by the State Government, and enforced by Council.
For detailed and up-to-date information, view the Swimming Pool Laws section, contact Council, or visit the Queensland State Department of Housing’s website.
Boundary setbacks are dependent on the zoning of the property.
- Rural or rural residential zones: The Southern Downs Planning Scheme (PDF 8.4MB) determines the setbacks for dwellings;
- Residential and township zones: The Queensland Development Code MP 1.2 Design and Siting Standard for Single Detached Housing determine the setbacks, and are generally 6 metres from the front boundary and 1.5 metres from the side and rear boundaries.
Council has made resolutions declaring that the above types of buildings may have an adverse effect on the amenity of the locality or be in conflict with the character of the locality.
If any of the listed types of buildings are proposed, Council acts as a concurrence agency and may require certain conditions to be complied with prior to granting approval for the building to be erected.
A completed application form, together with the current fee should be lodged together with the appropriate plans to make an application.
Please check the Building Approvals section.
Wind ratings are achieved using a number of calculations, set out in AS/NZS1170.2 Structural Design Actions Part 2 Wind Actions based on factors such as the terrain, shielding on the property and the location and orientation and height of the proposed structure.
Wind ratings are not available from Council for specific plots of land in the Southern Downs region, therefore customers are advised to refer to a structural engineer for a specific wind rating.
The Building Regulation 2006 Schedules 1 & 2 details what building work is not subject to a building approval (self-assessable).
Although an approval is not required, the owner is still responsible to ensure that the work complies with the relevant codes and standards and is safe and fit for purpose.
- Sheds
- Sheds that have a plan area of under 10 square metres, under 2.4 metres in height, with an average height of no higher than 2.1 metres above natural ground level and with no side exceeding 5 metres are self assessable. Also see Building Approval for Class 10.
- Flagpoles, towers, masts, antennas, aerials etc.
- If the device is attached to a building or structure, building approval is not required for devices less than 3.5 metres above the building. If the device is not attached, building approval will only be required if the device exceeds 10 metres above natural ground level. Also see Building Approval for Class 10.
- Retaining Walls
- A retaining wall is self-assessable provided that the wall is not closer that 1.5 metres to a building or another retaining wall, and / or that the total height of the wall and of the cut or fill retained by the wall is no more that 1 metre above the wall’s natural ground surface and there is no surcharge loading over the zone of influence for the wall
- Fences
- Fences up to and not exceeding 2 metres above natural ground level are self-assessable. Fences for swimming pools require a building approval regardless of height. Matters relating to dividing fences are governed by the Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011
- Decks
- Un-roofed decks are self-assessable provided that they do not exceed a height of 1 metre above natural ground level and no side exceeds 5 metre in length.
- Signs
- Signs may require a planning approval to erect depending on its purpose and location. Please contact Council to enquire.