Frequently Asked Questions

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we utilize an electronic Approvals Database one set of plans on A3 is required. Should the plans be on larger size paper than A3 please provide either an electronic version or 5 sets of plans.

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24 hours Notice is required for inspections as listed on the Decision Notice. GMA must also be notified for inspections carried out by a Competent Person (Engineer)

Further Notice is required for remote areas and the GMA Branch involved should be consulted.

Inspection Bookings close at 4pm.

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An Engineer is able to do inspections on particular aspects of the project but the Engineer must first be assessed by GMA as a Competent Person.

Certain Stages of the approval can only be done by GMA.

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No.

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No.

The Building Certification System is privatised and Council now only regulate Plumbing works and Town Planning Matters.

Council are the holders of public records and will receive a copy of all documentation given to us for Archiving purposes.

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As all Building Projects are different and in different Local Council areas please contact a Branch to obtain a quote.

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Yes.

This documentation may be required to enable us to issue the Building Approval.

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If all documentation is provided and the application has no Town Planning matters relevant, our approval process is approx 3 weeks.

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QLeave is a Government levy that is payable on all building work with a cost of works value of over $80 000.

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The Queensland Building Services Authority Insurance is an Insurance Levy paid by a Registered Builder for work carried out on Domestic Work.

QBSA Insurance is required where the cost of works is over $3 300 and work is being carried out be a licensed Builder.

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An Owner Builder Permit is required when the cost of the building work is over $11 000 and is being constructed by the Owner of the property.

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Yes.

As long as they are to scale and all required information is detailed on the plans.

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No.

A Certificate of Occupancy is not a legislated document in Queensland. Duplex's, Townhouses, Commercial Buildings will receive a Certificate of Classification and Dwellings and associated buildings will receive a Final Certificate.

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Yes.

The Building Act 1975 classes Swimming Pools and Spas in the same category.

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The only exemption that can be given is for persons with a Disability, and the exemption will need to be granted by the Local Authority.

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Tropical Cyclonic Areas – Yes
Other Areas – No, If the building has an area of less than 10m2 , a height of no more than 2.4mt, a mean height of no more than 2.1mt and any side greater than 5mt

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No. if the deck is not higher than 1m above ground level and if the building has an area of less than 10m2, and any side greater than 5mt

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No. if the fence is less than 2m high

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Tropical Cyclonic Areas – Yes
Other Areas – No, if the building has an area of less than 10m2 , a height of no more than 2.4mt and any side greater than 5mt

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No, if the building has an area of less than 10m2 , a height of no more than 2.1mt and any side greater than 5mt