Queensland Accepted, Code Assessable and Impact Assessable Development

Queensland planning language can feel different if you are used to NSW or Victoria. Instead of starting with "exempt" or "DA", Queensland often talks about accepted development and assessable development. If you are not sure where your project sits yet, start with do I need council approval for my project?.

This is general guidance only, not legal advice.

Accepted development

Accepted development is development that can occur without a development application, provided it fits the applicable rules.

That does not mean there are no standards. The property, planning scheme, overlays, project type, and project details can all matter.

Assessable development

Assessable development requires a development application before the development can start. Queensland Government guidance explains that assessable development can be code assessable or impact assessable.

Local government is usually responsible for assessing and deciding applications in its area, though state assessment can also be involved for some matters.

Code assessable development

Code assessable development is assessed against identified codes and benchmarks. It is generally more contained than impact assessment, but the application still needs to address the relevant requirements.

For a homeowner or tradie, the practical message is: the project may be possible, but it needs the right application and supporting information.

Impact assessable development

Impact assessable development is a broader assessment pathway. It can involve public notification and consideration of wider planning matters.

This is more likely to be relevant where a proposal has greater planning impacts or does not neatly fit the expected codes.

Why the local planning scheme matters

Queensland local governments use planning schemes to decide which development needs assessment and what requirements apply. That means the same type of project can have a different pathway in different council areas or on different properties. Our project guides for decks, sheds, and pergolas and patios explain the details that usually drive that difference.

Before quoting or lodging, check:

• Address
• Local government area
• Zoning
• Overlays
• Project type
• Dimensions
• Site location
• Whether any state referral triggers may apply

How ApprovalPath helps

ApprovalPath translates the approval question into a guided project check. It helps customers understand the likely pathway and helps tradies turn early uncertainty into a better-qualified lead.

Sources checked

• Queensland Government: What is development assessment?