Southern Moreton Bay Islands
Building a House on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands
When building a new house on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands (SMBI), you will need the following:
- Soil Testing – Permeability & Site Classification
- Plumbing Approval.
- Building Approval.
- In some circumstances, you may also require a Concurrence Agency Referral approval before your building application is submitted.
Site Evaluation and Soil Tests
As there is no reticulated sewerage network on the SMBI each house must have its own on-site wastewater treatment and disposal system. Once the soil testing has been done we strongly advise that a preliminary ‘Site Drainage Plan’ is done for your property.
This is where the size and placement of the septic disposal system is determined based on the number of bedrooms in the house.
Bay Island Designs can organise soil testing and prepare a preliminary ‘Site Drainage Plan’.
Building and Plumbing Approvals
All new houses on the SMBI require building and plumbing approval.
Building approval can be obtained from a private building certifier, while plumbing approval can only be obtained from the Council.
Concurrence Agency Referral – Amenity and Aesthetics
In some instances, you may also require an amenity and aesthetics referral approval. This approval is required if your proposed works include:
Removal Dwelling – single class 1a building that has been removed from another site/property, transported and reconstructed onto a property on the SMBI
Dwelling House less than 60m2 – single-detached class 1a buildings with less than 60m2 floor area (excluding garage/carport and verandahs).
Note: The amenity and aesthetics referral is not required if planning approval is required. If planning approval is required for your proposal, the amenity and aesthetics matters will be included within the planning assessment process.
Concurrence Agency Referral – Design and Siting
In some instances, you may require a design and siting referral approval. Generally, this type of approval is required if your house fails to comply with the Queensland Development Code (QDC) in relation to setbacks and site coverage. You can access the QDC from the Queensland Government Department of Housing and Public Works website.
You can find more information on specific building referral triggers in the Council’s concurrence agency referral application form. Your building certifier should also be able to assist you in determining whether any referrals are required to the Council. Alternatively, you can contact Council’s Planning Assessment team on (07) 3829 8999.
Planning Approval
Planning approval assesses the impact of the proposed house on surrounding areas and impacts from natural hazards such as flood and storm tide. To determine whether you need planning approval to build on your land, find out what zoning and overlays affect your property. You can find out the zoning and overlays that apply to your property with:
PD Online – property enquiry tool
Red-e-map – online mapping tool.