If you’re planning any building, renovation, shed, retaining wall, pool, or similar structure in Douglas Shire, your first step should usually be to contact a private building certifier to determine whether approvals are required and to ensure the proposal complies with both building and planning regulations.

State Government regulations require that you obtain a building permit before starting on any building work.

Building applications and certification

Most building work requires approval before construction begins, and Queensland legislation requires a building permit before starting building work.

In most cases, building approval applications are lodged through a Private Certifier, not Council.

Private building certifiers are responsible for:

  • Assessing whether proposed building work complies with the Building Act 1975 and related standards.
  • Issuing building permits.
  • Conducting inspections during construction.
  • Providing advice on compliance requirements.
    They cannot design buildings or undertake the building work themselves.

Examples of work that generally requires approval

  • New houses and dwellings
  • Alterations and additions to existing buildings
  • Roof replacements
  • House removals and relocations
  • Demolitions
  • Carports and sheds
  • Patios, gazebos, pergolas and shade sails
  • Fences over 2 metres high
  • Certain retaining walls
  • Swimming pools and spas

Planning Scheme Compliance

  • Private certifiers cannot approve building work that conflicts with the local planning scheme or the Queensland Development Code.
  • If there is uncertainty about planning compliance, Council recommends a pre-lodgement enquiry before submitting an application.
  • Any proposal requiring a variation to the planning scheme or development code must be submitted to Council before a certifier can grant approval.

Refer to the Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works website for the range of Development application forms and templates for development applications.

Building legislation

Building approvals and certification ensure compliance with:
  • Building Act 1975;
  • Building Regulations 2006;
  • Building Code of Australia;
  • Australian Standards;
  • Queensland Development Code; and
  • any other relevant legislation.