Council Approval Guide for Brisbane Landscaping

Not sure if your landscaping project needs council approval? This guide covers retaining walls, pool fencing, tree removal, QBCC licensing, and the step-by-step approval process for Brisbane and surrounding councils.

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When You Need Council Approval

Most general landscaping work is exempt from council approval. However, these common elements do require permits or applications.

Retaining Walls Over 1 Metre

Any retaining wall exceeding 1 metre in height requires a building application and engineering certification. Walls near boundaries or on flood-affected land may have additional requirements. Brisbane City Council and surrounding councils all enforce this threshold.

Requires: Building application + engineer's certification

Pool Fencing & Barriers

All swimming pools and spa pools in Queensland must have compliant safety fencing under the Building Act 1975. New pools require a final inspection before filling. Existing pools must maintain compliant barriers at all times. Non-compliance carries significant fines.

Requires: Pool safety inspection + compliance certificate

Tree Removal & Pruning

Brisbane City Council protects trees with a trunk diameter of 40cm or more (measured at 1.3 metres above ground). Removing or significantly pruning a protected tree without approval can result in fines up to $110,000. Always check before cutting.

Requires: Tree removal application through Brisbane City Council

Structures Over Certain Heights

Pergolas, gazebos, sheds, and carports may require approval depending on their size, height, and proximity to boundaries. As a general rule, structures under 10 square metres and below 2.4 metres at the boundary are often exempt, but always verify with your local council.

Requires: Building application (if over size/height thresholds)

Driveways & Crossovers

New or modified vehicle crossovers from the street to your property require council approval. This includes widening an existing driveway or creating a new one. The application covers the section between the road and your property boundary.

Requires: Crossover application through council

Flood Overlay Properties

Properties within a flood overlay zone face additional requirements for earthworks, fill, retaining walls, and structures. Council may restrict filling levels and require flood-impact assessments. Check your property's overlay status on Brisbane City Council's City Plan mapping.

Requires: Development application (for fill or structures in flood zone)

Exempt Development (No Approval Needed)

The following landscaping works generally do not require council approval on standard residential properties in Brisbane.

✓Garden beds, mulching, and planting
✓Turf installation and lawn renovation
✓Retaining walls under 1 metre in height
✓Garden paths and stepping stones
✓Low garden edging and borders
✓Irrigation and drainage installation
✓Garden lighting (low voltage)
✓Mulch, gravel, and decorative stone

Note: Properties in flood, heritage, or character overlays may have additional restrictions even for these works. Always verify your property's overlay status.

QBCC Licensing Requirements

In Queensland, any building and construction work valued at $3,300 or more (including GST) must be carried out by a contractor holding a current QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission) licence.

This includes landscaping construction work such as retaining walls, decking, pergolas, paving, and fencing. Using an unlicensed contractor means you have no access to QBCC dispute resolution or the Home Warranty Insurance scheme.

You can verify any contractor's licence on the QBCC online licence search before signing a contract. A licensed landscaper will also provide a written contract for work over $3,300, which is a legal requirement in Queensland.

Step-by-Step Approval Process

Check Your Property Overlays

Use Brisbane City Council's online City Plan mapping tool to check for flood, heritage, character, or environmental overlays on your property. These overlays may trigger additional approval requirements.

Determine If Approval Is Needed

Review the exempt development provisions. If your project includes retaining walls over 1 metre, tree removal, pool works, or structures, you likely need a building application or development application.

Engage Professionals

For building applications, you will need a private building certifier. For retaining walls over 1 metre, you need a structural engineer. Your landscaper should be able to recommend professionals they work with regularly.

Submit Your Application

Building applications are submitted to a private certifier who assesses compliance. Development applications are submitted to council. Processing times range from 2 to 6 weeks depending on the application type.

Receive Approval & Commence Work

Once approved, keep a copy of the approval on-site during construction. Some approvals require inspections at specific stages — particularly pool fencing and retaining walls. Your certifier will advise on required inspections.

Council Approval FAQs

You need a building application for retaining walls over 1 metre in height. Walls under 1 metre are generally exempt from approval, but they still must be structurally sound and not cause drainage issues for neighbouring properties. Walls near boundaries may have additional setback requirements.

In Queensland, any building and construction work valued at $3,300 or more (including GST) must be carried out by a QBCC-licensed contractor. This applies to landscaping work that includes construction elements like retaining walls, decking, pergolas, and paving. Always ask to see a landscaper's QBCC licence before signing a contract.

You can remove trees with a trunk diameter under 40cm (measured at 1.3 metres above ground) on most residential properties without council approval. Trees over this size, and any trees in environmental or character overlays, require a tree removal application. Penalties for unapproved removal can reach $110,000.

Yes. While Brisbane City Council covers the largest area, surrounding councils like Moreton Bay, Logan, Redland, and Ipswich each have their own planning schemes and exempt development provisions. The general principles are similar, but thresholds and processes can differ. Always check with your specific council.

Experienced landscapers regularly deal with council requirements and can guide you through the process. Many have relationships with private certifiers and engineers. However, the property owner is ultimately responsible for obtaining the necessary approvals before work commences.

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