Frequently Asked Questions
Our team are experienced professionals, on hand to help with all of your residential building approvals.
What is the Role of a Private Certifier?
Private certifiers inspect and approve building work to ensure it complies with the approved building plans and appropriate building standards including the Planning Act 2017, the Building Code of Australia, Building Act 1975 and specific building legislation.
Building certifiers do not:
– Project manage or supervise trades or builders.
– Ensure a builder is complying with their contract
– Quality Control and disputes.
– Cannot certify or approve work with which they are personally involved as a builder or designer, or from which they are able to gain a profit
When do I need a Building Approval?
A building approval is generally required when the scope of works are more than the below:
- A garden shed up to 2.4 metres high (2.1 metres mean height), 10m2, 5.0 metres long and not located in the front or waterfront setback areas,
- A fence not more than 2.0 metres high.
- Swimming pool fencing needs approval for new work regardless of the height
- Waterfront areas and corner lots also have special rules,
- A one metre high retaining wall (if no loads are imposed above it, such as a building or driveway),
- Deck up to 1.0 metre high and 10m2 when not located in any required setback area.
- Roofed patio up to 2.4 metres high (2.1 metres mean height), 10m2, 5.0 metres long when not located in any required setback area.
If you’re not sure if you require a building approval, Send us an email or give us a call.
What can you build without council approval?
Can Council make you pull down a structure?
What’s the difference between a planning and a building approval?
What happens if you start building without a permit?
Is it illegal to renovate without a permit?
Do you need a permit to remodel a bathroom?
Does replacing like for like trigger a Building Approval?
Can I convert my garage?
How long does a Building Approval take?
Do I need Council Approval?
What is QBCC Insurance and do I need it?
You can find a link to the insurable work table here. (insert link to useful docs page)
What if I want to complete my project as an Owner Builder?
The Queensland Building & Construction Commission issue a permit for work over $11,000.00. Which will allow you to take on the role of head contractor on a building project and personally perform the building work yourself. You’ll be responsible for engaging and co-ordinating your contractors, as well as the scheduling of work.
The QBCC notes that you can’t personally carry out work where you need an occupational licence, or for fire protection work over $1,100.
You can find links to the QBCC Owner Builder Permit Application form and a list of Owner Builder course providers here. (insert link to useful docs page)
Rocket accept Owner/Builder application on a case by case basis.
Do I need to fence my outdoor spa?
You can find a link to the Building Act 1975 and the QLD Development Code for Swimming Pool Barriers here. (insert link to useful docs page)
Does my Retaining Wall require Building Approval
A Building Approval is required for a retaining wall if any of the below apply:
- There is surcharge loading over the zone of influence for the wall;
- The total height of the wall and of the fill or cut retained by the retaining wall is more than 1m above the wall’s natural ground surface;
- The wall is closer than 1.5m to a building or another retaining wall.
- The wall forms part of the barrer for a pool
Helpful Links
Rocket BA has a handful of helpful documents, forms and links to help with your building approvals.
~ Queensland Development Code MP 1.4 – Building over or near relevant infrastructure
~ Gold Coast City Council Search requests
~ Queensland Building Regulation 2006 – Current as at 18 October 2019
~ QBCC Permit Application Form for Owner Builder
~ Gold Coast City Council Information on Tree Removal of Private Land