Do I need council approval to open a café in Queensland?

Usually, yes — a development application for a material change of use, unless the premises already has an approval for that use or the scheme makes it accepted development in that zone. You also need a food business licence from the council, and a building approval for any fit-out.

What if the building was a shop before?

An existing lawful approval for the same use can mean no new application, but a change from, say, a shop to a food outlet is a different use. Check what the property is approved for before you sign a lease.

Can I open a shop in a residential zone?

Rarely as of right. Most schemes allow small neighbourhood shops only in centre zones or specific precincts; elsewhere it is usually impact assessable or not allowed.

Do I need council approval to open a shop, café or office in Queensland?

Short answer

It depends — see below. Opening a shop, café or office is a material change of use. In a centre zone it is typically accepted or code assessable; in a residential, rural or industry zone it is usually impact assessable or not allowed. A café also needs a food licence, and a change of use can mean building upgrades.

Check your own property

Add the address, or choose your council, to see the answer for your zone. Different project?

1. Where is the property? (optional — it makes the answer specific)

I don't know my zone — choose my council instead

Council Zone

The zone is on your rates notice, or a Landbrief site report will find it for you.

The Queensland position

A shop, café or office is a material change of use and the council's table of assessment decides — commonly code assessment in a centre zone and impact assessment (or not allowed) in residential, rural or industry zones. We haven't loaded this council's tables yet.

What usually happens: a development application for the change of use, a building approval for the fit-out, and a food licence for a café.

Planning Regulation 2017, Schedule 6, Part 2, section 7D — the overlay types councils use

What else you'll need

Building approval
Food licence (for a café)

By council

These councils' own tables of assessment, read zone by zone:

Common questions

Do I need council approval to open a café in Queensland?: Usually, yes — a development application for a material change of use, unless the premises already has an approval for that use or the scheme makes it accepted development in that zone. You also need a food business licence from the council, and a building approval for any fit-out.
What if the building was a shop before?: An existing lawful approval for the same use can mean no new application, but a change from, say, a shop to a food outlet is a different use. Check what the property is approved for before you sign a lease.
Can I open a shop in a residential zone?: Rarely as of right. Most schemes allow small neighbourhood shops only in centre zones or specific precincts; elsewhere it is usually impact assessable or not allowed.

Other projects

Granny flat Dual occupancy Subdivide Shed or carport Extension Pool Fence or wall Home business Townhouses Clear trees Demolish

General information, not advice. The council's planning scheme and the Planning Act 2016 decide — confirm with the council or a town planner before you build.