What is the minimum lot size to subdivide?

It is set by the zone in your council's planning scheme, and it differs a lot: a few hundred square metres in residential zones, hectares in rural zones. Frontage, slope and whether sewer is available also matter.

What else do I pay for when I subdivide?

Beyond the application fee: a surveyor, operational works for roads and services, infrastructure charges to the council for each new lot, and often water and sewer headworks. The council fee is usually the small part.

Can I subdivide a corner block or a battle-axe lot?

Possibly — the scheme looks at frontage, access and the shape of each new lot, not only its area. A site report or a town planner can tell you whether your lot's shape works.

Do I need council approval to subdivide my land in Queensland?

Short answer

Needs a development application. Subdividing — the planning term is reconfiguring a lot — always needs a development application. The usual pattern is code assessment when every new lot meets the zone's minimum lot size, and impact assessment (with neighbour submissions) when it doesn't. Roads, water and sewer works and infrastructure charges follow.

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)

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Council Zone

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

The Queensland position

Reconfiguring a lot — splitting one lot into two or more — always needs a development application. The common pattern is code assessment where every new lot meets the zone's minimum lot size, and impact assessment where it doesn't. Some reconfigurations are exempt, such as amalgamating lots or certain building format plans.

What usually happens: a development application, then operational works for roads and services, a survey plan, and infrastructure charges for each new lot.

Planning Regulation 2017, Schedule 6, Part 4, section 21 — reconfigurations that are exempt

What else you'll need

Survey plan
Infrastructure charges
Operational works

By council

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

Common questions

Do I need council approval to subdivide my land in Queensland?: Yes. Reconfiguring a lot — splitting one lot into two or more — needs a development application. It is commonly code assessable where each new lot meets the zone's minimum size, and impact assessable when it doesn't. Some reconfigurations are exempt, such as amalgamating lots or certain building format plans.
What is the minimum lot size to subdivide?: It is set by the zone in your council's planning scheme, and it differs a lot: a few hundred square metres in residential zones, hectares in rural zones. Frontage, slope and whether sewer is available also matter.
What else do I pay for when I subdivide?: Beyond the application fee: a surveyor, operational works for roads and services, infrastructure charges to the council for each new lot, and often water and sewer headworks. The council fee is usually the small part.
Can I subdivide a corner block or a battle-axe lot?: Possibly — the scheme looks at frontage, access and the shape of each new lot, not only its area. A site report or a town planner can tell you whether your lot's shape works.

Other projects

Granny flat Dual occupancy Shed or carport Extension Pool Fence or wall Home business Townhouses Shop, café or office 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.