When you’re subdividing land Brisbane, Ipswich or in surrounding South East Queensland areas generally, it’s important to be well informed. Firstly there are details that you need to know about Council planning, zoning and heritage preservation. In addition, it is important to understand the general development approval process for the local council area.
What does subdividing land mean?
Subdividing land in Brisbane can refer to different types of activities. Of course, the main type of property subdivision in Brisbane involves the splitting of a larger block of land into smaller blocks of land. Typically, in small lot subdivision in Brisbane, the process of subdividing land involves splitting a single large block into two viable blocks.
The outcome of subdivision is generally to enable one of two things. Either the owner can sell the subdivided block of land, or build another house after subdividing the land.
However, other activities are also referred to as subdividing land Brisbane. Subdivision in Brisbane is also known as “reconfiguring a lot” which can involve a wide variety of different activities. For example, all of these outomes are considered to be associated with land subdivision in Brisbane:
- moving a boundary,
- creating an easement across the land, and even
- merging allotments of land.
It is not necessary that a new block of land results from subdividing land. Rather, it is the shape or usage of the land that has been altered.
What are the requirements for subdividing land in Brisbane?
For any of the activities described as subdivision, planning approval from the Brisbane City Council Planning Department must be sought. However, there are varying levels of planning approval required. The level of scrutiny required to seek approval of any application for subdividing land in Brisbane can influence how long it takes to receive development approval.
Acceptable Development
If your proposal for subdividing land in Brisbane is within the acceptable guidelines for development, it’s ideal. In this situation there is a straightforward process for development approval. A professional town planner, such as our team at Planning Insights, can help you. We use the RiskSmart process for fast tracking development applications like this through the Brisbane Council Planning Department.
Code Assessable Land Subdivision
For land subdivision in Brisbane proposals outside of the bounds of accepted development, it’s more involved. Such an example would be a small lot subdivision in Brisbane. In this case it may be required to submit a code assessment in order to obtain development approval. A code assessable land subdivision can still be a straightforward process, if you know what you’re doing. For this reason, we recommend that you engage a professional town planner to assist with the application and interpretation of the guidelines.
Impact Assessable Land Subdivision
When your proposal for land subdivision in Brisbane requires assessment against the planning codes, there is a requirement for an impact assessment. The formal process for an impact assessment for a land subdivision in Brisbane involves notification to the public. In the case of an impact assessable land subdivision, the public should be provided with an opportunity to comment on any potential impacts of the land subdivision. After a reasonable period of time, the application for development approval will be considered in light of any public impact statements. The outcomes of the impact assessment take longer to process, and the results are often less certain.
What other factors affect land subdivision in Brisbane?
Zoning Requirements
The most important factor when it comes to land subdivision in Brisbane are the zoning requirements. The specific zoning requirements define the local housing density regulations. And ultimately, they define the size of the land subdivisions. The zoning requirements are important because they are the baseline for the property allotments in a local area. However, they can change over time, so it pays to get expert advice when it comes to zoning requirements. Particularly when it comes to small lot subdivision in Brisbane, it is important to understand the zoning requirements.
What are some of the different zoning requirements?
When it comes to subdividing land in Brisbane, Ipswich or other local councils, they tend to use similar zoning definitions. Some of the important considerations are:
Residential zoning vs Industrial zoning
The definition of these two zoning regulations is fairly straightforward, but there are always issues are the boundaries between the two. Obviously no one wants to live in an industrial zone, but there needs to be some consideration to crossover zones, and shared spaces. The other important consideration about zoning is that these locations are subject to change. Therefore, it pays to get the best advice with regards to local zoning requirements.
High density vs low density zoning
The next most important factor when it comes to land subdivision is the zoning density. For example, if you want to get approval for a small lot subdivision Brisbane, then you need to know the zoning density. However, it is possible that exceptions to the regulations may apply. In addition, sometimes zoning density is subject to change.
Character residential zone
Many opportunities for subdividing land in Brisbane occur in older suburbs, and that is where character residential zoning becomes important. Character zoning also comes with numerous overlays. Consequently, it is not generally a simple exercise to subdivide land in a character suburb of Brisbane.
Transportation zones
One of the local zoning overlays that can offer the most potential for subdivision in Brisbane is around transportation zoning. These so called transport hubs are found around train stations and bus depots. This is where there is a concentration of housing with easy access to public transport. Often in these transport zoning locations, there will be an allowance for higher density town planning. This, in turn, may be suitable for small lot subdivision in Brisbane. Always seek advice from a town planning professional, who may be able to confirm the potential for subdividing land within the Brisbane Council guidelines.
What is the process for Subdividing Land in Brisbane?
The basic process for subdividing land in Brisbane must be followed before the land can be sold to a new property owner. The process involves seeking development approval from the Brisbane City Council, prior to any works being undertaken. There are a set of rules and guidelines that are required to be conducted for any land subdivision in Brisbane and other local councils. There will be infrastructure levies which must be paid prior to approval, and a survey of the land must be completed and submitted. Once development approval is granted by the Planning Department, the survey plan can be sealed and registered with the Queensland Government. The Government will then issue a title over the land in accordance with the Land Title Act, and the property becomes an official allotment.
Do you want to know more about Subdividing Land in Brisbane?
If you want more information about the regulations, guidelines, or application process, for land subdivision in Brisbane, then call an expert Town Planner. Here at Planning Insights, we have a team of experienced town planners who understand the complete process for subdividing land in Brisbane, Ipswich and other local council areas.
