Development in a Low-Medium Density Residential Area

Subdivision

The same regulations apply for a Subdivision in a Low - Medium Density Residential Area and the Low Density Residential Area.

The minimum lot size in a Low - Medium Density Residential Area (previously known as Res B) is 400m2 with a minimum of 10 metre frontage. The Council is not very supportive of applications for lots less than 400m2.

If your property is located in a Low - Medium Density Residential Area and in the Demolition Control Precinct then the minimum lot size is 450m2 with a minimum frontage of 10m2.

If you are creating a rear lot, then the minimum lot size is 600m2 excluding the access easement.

A development application to the Council is required for any type of subdivision except amalgamation.

Tip: There is a possibility for a minimum lot of 350m2 if one or more lots are larger than 400m2 allowing the preservation of an existing house on the larger lot. Please contact the Council or your town planner for clarification.

Tip: If you are looking to purchase a property in Brisbane that has potential for subdivision, make sure that you look at properties above 800m2 with a frontage of 20m or over.

Tip: If you purchase a property that has the potential for a subdivision and you would like to retain the existing house. Make sure that when the lot is subdivided into two smaller lots, the house can be sited in a way that complies with the setback requirements of the City Plan 2000.

Tip: If you purchase a property in a demolition control precinct, make sure to check that the house on the block is not built prior to 1946. The Council is not very supportive of demolishing houses built prior to 1946. Click here and then click aerial photography 1946 to check if your house was build prior to 1946, there you can also check if your house is located in the demolition control precinct. Contact your town planner for advice on demolishing your property.

Material Change of Use

House

A house that complies with the self assessable acceptable solutions of the House Code does not require a development application to Brisbane City Council. The house will need to be checked by a registered building certifier.

Building a house in a Demolition Control Precinct requires a code assessable development application to Brisbane City Council.

Tip: your house builder or architect will advise you if your house requires approval by the Council.

Single Unit Dwellings

If you are planning to build single unit dwellings then the minimum lot size is 600m2 with a minimum frontage of 17m. Gross floor area is no more than 0.5 times the site area and building height at any point is no more than 8.5m above ground level and 2 storeys.

However, a 9.5m and 3 storey height and a maximum gross floor area of .6 times the site area can be achieved if your property has a frontage of 15.5m or more and is within 200m radius of any pedestrian entry to a railway or busway station, or fronts an arterial route, or containing a building over 8.5m above ground level or over 2 storeys is more than 10m from any lot containing a house (where no approval for multi-unit dwelling or single unit dwelling exists).

A code assessable development application is required to be made to Brisbane City Council where your development application does not involve building work.

An impact assessable development application is required to be made to Brisbane City Council where your development application involves building work.

Tip: If you are thinking about purchasing land where you could potentially build single unit dwellings, make sure that you look that the land is located in a Low-Medium Density Residential Area, is at least 600m2 and has a 17 meter frontage to a street. These blocks usually hold better value as there is potential for development.

Multi Unit Dwellings (Units/Townhouses)

If you are planning to build units or townhouses then the minimum lot size is 600m2 with a minimum frontage of 17m. Gross floor area is no more than 0.5 times the site area and building height at any point is no more than 8.5m above ground level and 2 storeys.

An impact assessable development application is required to be made to Brisbane City Council where your development application complies with Residential Design-Low Density, Character and Low-medium Density Code.

Tip: If you are thinking about purchasing land where you could potentially units or townhouses, make sure that you look that the land is located in a Low-Medium Density Residential Area, is at least 600m2 and has a 17 meter frontage to a street. These blocks usually hold better value as there is more potential for development.

Please note: This advice is general and should not be used for purposes of making a development application to the Council or for purchasing a property. The viability of each proposal depends on each individual property and the area that it is located in. A professional consultant (town planner or surveyor) should be contacted for advice and to prepare your development application.

For information about code and impact assessable applications please click the town planning section.