Planning rules in Queensland

Yes. A statewide change on 26 September 2022 removed the old rule limiting occupants to household members, so secondary dwellings can now be rented to anyone.

It depends on your council. Rockhampton has allowed dual occupancy from 400 m² in its low-medium density residential zone since 28 March 2025, 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. Brisbane sets no minimum lot size at all - it decides the assessment level by zone and building height, and a proposed amendment introducing a 400 m² minimum has not yet taken effect. There is no statewide figure, so check the minimum lot size in your council's planning scheme for your zone.

There is no statewide figure - it is set by your council's planning scheme for your zone and precinct. As an indicative example, Brisbane's Low Density Residential zone commonly requires 400 m² for a standard front lot and 600 m² for a rear lot, with a reduced figure close to some centres. Other councils use different numbers, so the only reliable answer is the one mapped for your address.

Only some decks are exempt. A deck can avoid building approval if it is under 10 m², less than 1 m above ground, unroofed, not attached to the house and has no side over 5 m. Most decks, especially attached or raised ones, need approval from a building certifier.

Not if it's a Class 10a shed no bigger than 10 m² total, up to 2.4 m high, with no side over 5 m and sited to the QDC setbacks. Bigger or taller sheds and garages need building approval from a private building certifier.

Up to 2 m above natural ground level for a domestic fence on an existing house lot. Above 2 m you need building approval from a private certifier, and the height includes any retaining wall underneath.