Dual occupancy rules in Queensland (2026)
It depends on your council. Queensland has no statewide dual occupancy rule - each local government planning scheme decides which zones allow a duplex, what minimum lot size and frontage apply, and whether it is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable development.
Set entirely by your council planning scheme and zone
It depends on your council. Queensland has no statewide dual occupancy rule - each local government planning scheme decides which zones allow a duplex, what minimum lot size and frontage apply, and whether it is accepted, code assessable or impact assessable development.
Key rules at a glance
| Minimum lot size | Set by your planning scheme. Commonly 400-800 m² (indicative - varies by council and zone). Brisbane and Rockhampton both moved to 400 m² in their low-medium density residential zones. |
| Minimum frontage | Commonly 12-20 m (indicative - varies by scheme). Some schemes only treat a dual occupancy as accepted development at 20 m frontage or more. |
| Zones permitted | Typically the low-medium density residential and medium density residential zones, and in some schemes the character residential zone. Low density residential zones sometimes allow it, usually at a higher minimum lot size. |
| Approval pathway | Accepted, code assessable or impact assessable, depending on the scheme, the zone and whether the acceptable outcomes are met. |
| Can it be subdivided or strata titled? | Usually yes, through a separate reconfiguring a lot application for Torrens titles, or a community titles scheme for strata-style lots. Each resulting lot must meet the scheme's minimum lot size for subdivision, which is often larger than the minimum for building the duplex. |
| Typical timeframe | Around 2-4 months for a code assessable application; longer where it is impact assessable and publicly notified. |
Conditions & eligibility
- Check your council's planning scheme first - permissibility, lot size and assessment level are all set locally.
- The zone must list dual occupancy as accepted or assessable development.
- The lot must meet the scheme's minimum lot size and frontage for a dual occupancy.
- Site cover, setbacks, private open space, landscaping and car parking in the relevant development code must be met.
- Overlays for flooding, bushfire, heritage or neighbourhood character add codes and can raise the assessment level.
- Subdivision to create two titles is a separate reconfiguring a lot application.
Heritage, flood and bushfire controls on your specific lot can remove the fast-track and require a full application — even when the general rules say you're fine.
How approval works in Queensland
Your council's planning scheme sets the assessment level. Accepted development needs no development application at all where it meets the acceptable outcomes. Code assessable development needs an application but no public notification, and is assessed only against the relevant codes. Impact assessable development is publicly notified, can attract submissions and carries appeal rights. Most duplex proposals in residential zones land in the code or impact assessable categories.
Queensland has 77 local governments, each with its own planning scheme - Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Logan and Townsville all set different dual occupancy lot sizes, zones and assessment levels.
Dual occupancy rules by council in Queensland
Local councils apply the Queensland framework and can add their own controls. Pick your council:
Frequently asked questions
What size block do I need for a duplex in Queensland?
It depends on your council. Brisbane and Rockhampton allow dual occupancy from 400 m² in their low-medium density residential zones, while other schemes require 600 m², 800 m² or more, and some only treat a duplex as accepted development at 800 m² with a 20 m frontage. There is no statewide figure - check the minimum lot size in your council's planning scheme for your zone.
Can a duplex in Queensland be sold as two separate titles?
Usually yes, but it is a separate approval. You lodge a reconfiguring a lot application to create two Torrens titles, or register a community titles scheme for strata-style lots. Each resulting lot has to meet the planning scheme's minimum lot size for subdivision, which is commonly larger than the minimum for building the two dwellings.
Do I need a development application for a dual occupancy in Queensland?
Almost always. Very few schemes treat a duplex as accepted development, and where they do it is usually only on large lots with wide frontages that meet every acceptable outcome. Most proposals are code assessable - an application without public notification - or impact assessable, which is advertised and open to submissions and appeals.
Sources
- Dual occupancy - planning and building requirements, Brisbane City Council ↗
- Local planning schemes - Planning Queensland ↗
- Development assessment - Planning Queensland ↗
Related building rules
This is general guidance, not professional planning advice. Figures are summarised from the sources above and can change — confirm with your council or the Planning Queensland before starting work. Last reviewed: July 2026.
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