Development in the Low Density Residential Area

Subdivision

The minimum lot size in a Low Density Residential Area (previously known as Res A) 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 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 vehicle access. 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 is 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 be made 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.

Units/Townhouses

If you are planning to build units or townhouses then the minimum lot size is 3000m2 with a minimum frontage of 40m. Gross floor area is no more than 0.3 times the site area and Building height at any point is no more than 8.5m above ground level and 2 storeys. A code assessable development application is required to be made to Brisbane City Council.

Single Unit Dwelling

Single unit dwellings are not supported by the Council in the Low Density Residential Area (they are supported in the Low-Medium Density Residential Area).

Please note: The images above that depict the low density residential area were sourced from City Plan 2000 and Google earth.