Building Approvals
All building work in Queensland is governed by the Building Act 1975 and Building Regulation 2021, further information can be found at https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/building-property-development/building-construction/laws-codes-standards/building.
A Development Permit for building works (building approval) is required before starting construction on most types of domestic building work, including but is not limited to construction, placement, alteration, extension or renovating of a building or structure or demolition of a building or structure.
Building approvals can be obtained from either Council's Building Certification team or a Private Building Certifier.
Who approves domestic building work?
Licensed building certifiers assess building applications, decide whether to issue building approvals and inspect and certify building works. The certifier ensures the building works comply with the building assessment provisions, the Building Act and associated standards. Certifiers can work for local government or in private practice.
The building approval will state which inspections are required and at what stages of construction. It is the shared responsibility of the contractor and owner to ensure the quality of building work is carried out to an acceptable standard.
Some aspects of domestic building work such as land use restrictions, maximum height, setback or character of a building may be controlled under the Council Planning Scheme, and an additional permit may be required.
Mandatory Form Required
As a guide the following checklist should be used to assist with collating the required documentation for lodgement:
Lodgement Checklist for Building Applications
Building Application Lodgement Checklist (PDF, 220.8KB)
Swimming Pools Checklist
Domestic Application Lodgement Checklist for Swimming Pools and Pool Fence
Inspection timing (PDF, 878.8KB)
Council's Certification Service
Council's building certification team is always willing to help you with any Building related enquiries you might have about works you are planning.
Our Building Certification team is based in our Ipswich office.
For Certification enquiries please contact our friendly Building Team on:
T | 07 3810 6666 E | PlanDev@ipswich.qld.gov.au F | 07 3281 7085
Office hours Monday to Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm excluding public holidays.
Street Address | Ground Floor, 1 Nicholas Street, Ipswich
Postal Address | Building Team - PO Box 191, Ipswich QLD 4305 Australia.