Do You Need Council Approval for a Garage in QLD?

4 July 2025

Adding a garage to your property provides a safe space for your car, so you don't need to worry about it getting damaged by harsh weather or vandalised. But before you can set to work building your dream garage, you need to find out if council approval is needed for your garage in QLD.

The short answer is that yes, in some cases, council approval is needed, but in others, you are free to build your garage (providing it meets regulation codes) without consent. Knowing when you do and don't need approval can be tricky, so we have outlined it below for you and will guide you through the entire process to help your garage dream become a reality.

Garage Approvals in Queensland

In Queensland, garages may be built as part of a dwelling house. A dwelling house is defined as a residential use of premises for one household with a single dwelling, including outbuildings. Garages are typically considered an accepted development, which means you would not need a planning application and approval to add a garage to your home. Garages in Queensland are defined as Class 10a buildings in the Queensland building code. Providing you are not planning to turn it into a habitable space, like a spare bedroom or living room, you can build one garage on your property without the need for planning approval.

However, it would need to comply with the planning rules and regulations in your area. The rules can vary depending on your local council, so be sure to check with them before you begin the process of constructing your garage.

When is Council Approval Needed?

You need council approval in Queensland when your garage is not considered an accepted development. The Queensland Development Code outlines what is considered an accepted development, and we recommend familiarising yourself with the Development Code before beginning your project. Typically, you need to consider the size of your garage and where it sits on your property. If it is too close to a property line or public space, council approval is typically needed.

Building a new property is also when council approval is usually needed. Your garage should be included in the building application for your home and be listed on any plans you submit. Gaining approval with your new build should speed up the process, allowing you to construct your home and garage at the same time. It's important to note that building approval and planning approval are different, and both might be needed for your new home and garage. The rules differ from council to council, so be prepared that you might need to submit two forms.

Council approval is often needed if your property meets one of the following:

• Is in a neighbourhood plan area or overlay that has different rules

• Is in a zone where the regulations are different

• Is a heritage-listed house with its own set of restrictions

In these situations, you will need to refer to the specific regulations that apply to your property. Your local council can help with these, or you might need to consult the overlay or neighbourhood plan.

You might also need council approval before building a garage if one or more of the following criteria applies to your building plans:

• You are in the process of planning your new build

• Your garage will be attached to another building instead of being freestanding

• You want the garage to be longer than 5 meters

• Your garage will be taller than 2.4 meters

• Your plan is to build a garage larger than 10 square meters

How to Apply for Council Approval to Build a Garage in Queensland

Applying for council approval to build your garage in Queensland is a fairly straightforward process, should your garage need approval from the local council. To guide you through the process, we have broken it down into a step-by-step guide.

Step 1 - Check if Approval is Needed

First, we recommend that you check with your local council if approval is needed for your garage. While the advice we have given you applies to Queensland generally, each council can have separate regulations that might impact your garage proposal. Requirements like how far from your property border the garage can be and whether additional structures, like drives and paths, must be considered and impact whether you need approval. Check with your council first to reduce the chance of any issues when applying for approval.

Step 2 - Hire a Private Building Certifier

In Queensland, you need a private building certifier if you need approval to build your garage. A building certifier will look at your plans, check if your garage meets the right standards, and handle the approval process for you. A certifier takes all of the stress out of the process for you and ensures that your garage becomes a success.

When you have hired your private building certifier, they will examine your building plans and let you know if there are any issues. They can offer modifications, too, that will help you meet the requirements and have your approval granted.

Step 3 - Prepare Your Documentation

After a building certifier has approved your plans, it's time to get all of your documentation together as part of your application. What you need to include can vary depending on your local council, but you will typically include a site plan, structural engineering drawings, and building specifications. Your private building certifier will have checked that you have all the correct documentation beforehand.

Step 4 - Submit Your Application

Next, you can submit your completed application to your local council. If a development application is needed, it will be submitted separately to your council's planning department. Your building certifier can help determine if you need a separate application and help you to submit it. When your application is submitted, you will need to pay any fees at its time. The amount you pay in fees does vary depending on your local council.

Step 5 - Assessment and Approval

The approval process can take between a few days and weeks, depending on your proposal and if additional assessments will be needed. If your application is approved, you will receive a formal Building Approval (BA), which is your go-ahead to start your construction. If your application is rejected, you will find out why and what changes must be made for your application to be approved.

Final Certification and Compliance Documentation

Once your application has been approved, you can build the garage, but the process isn't over yet. You will need an inspection of the garage to ensure that it has been built in line with the approved plans and that it meets the necessary regulations.

If your garage meets the necessary regulations, you will get a Final Certificate that proves your garage is up to code and approved. Make sure you keep this certificate safe, as it will be needed for legal and insurance purposes, like proving that the garage was built legally when selling your property.

What Happens if I Build a Garage Without Council Approval?

Should your garage in Queensland have needed approval and you did not get it before building, you could find yourself with a fine. The council might issue you with a fine for not seeking permission, and you will often need to pay for your garage to be altered to meet the council's requirements. In some cases, when garages are built, and they don't meet council approval, you could end up having to demolish them, apply for permission, and then rebuild the garage.

All of this will come at an extra cost to you, so we don't recommend building a garage without approval. If you are unsure whether you need approval, it is best to speak directly to your local council, which can advise you and assist you with the rules and regulations you must follow.

Start Planning Your Dream Garage Today

Adding a garage to your home can provide you with peace of mind and additional storage, and it allows you to protect your vehicle. It isn't as simple as having ussupply your steel garage, you do need to ensure that you meet regulations. With the help of a building certifier, you can ensure that your garage is up to code and has a stunning steel construction to house your car. Why not take a look at our Shed designing tool to see what you could add to your space today?