documentation & regulations
official information
The Queensland Government Department of Housing and Public Works has details of all the forms and applications you will need to file.
Queensland Building and Construction Commission has a range of information including pool safety regulations.
find answers quickly
Frequently asked questions
+ What happens after a building application has been lodged with TBC?
- Pre-Checks: Our staff immediately check your application to make sure all the required documents and information has been supplied. (This isn't the official assessment but something we do to prevent later approval delays).
- Assessment: Your application is then assessed by our professional building surveyor's who ensure that your application is compliant with all relevant legislation including the Building Code of Australia, Integrated Planning Act and Australian Standards.
- Permit Issued: Once assessment is complete a Building Permit or Development Decision Notice is issues by the Building Certifier. You are not permitted to begin work until this has been issued.
- Inspections: The building permit will state which inspections have been requested. Please book the inspections and notify us of these so that our Building Inspectors may attend.
+ How long does a building approval last? (Pool, dwelling & DEMO)
A Development Approval for Building Work lasts for a two-year period. This can be extended by the applicant, on request, for another 12 months. If more time is needed, a second request can be made, however, the Local Council needs to approve the request, prior to the Certifier issuing the second extension. The reason for this is to keep building work up to the current Australian Standards and Building Code requirements.
+ Why do I need Form 16s / Certificates?
The Form 16s are required to record evidence that a competent person has installed or inspected certain aspects of Building Work. These are required for aspects that the Certifier either requests on site, or requires for the items listed on the decision notice. The person who signs the Form 16 must either be appropriately licensed or assessed as competent, prior to acceptance of the certificate.
+ Why do I need a Form 15 for pool fencing?
The Form 15 is certifying that the manufactured product being used for the fencing has been designed to Pool Fencing and Australian Standards.
+ Why and what do I need a footing, frame and final inspection for?
You need all of the inspections listed for all Class 2-9 Buildings. That includes houses and commercial buildings. You only need a final inspection for a Class 10 building, which is a shed or pool or retaining wall.
+ How do I know if I need Building Approval?
Send us your plans and we can verify building approval. Our efficient staff will quickly confirm via email all the requirements of your buidling work proposal.
+ What forms do I need for my pool?
If you are installing a new pool you require building approval. Once you have completed your inspection you will receive a Form 17. This is your Pool Safety Certificate and you do not need a Form 23 in this instance. If you are selling or leasing a property with a pool that is 2+ years old you will need to obtain a Form 23 (Pool Safety Certificate).
+ Why can't I fill my pool without a Temporary Fence inspection or a Form 17?
The regulation is clear that all new pools require an inspiection prior to being filled. Statistics show that a high proportion of drownings have happened within the first three months of a new pool being installed.
+ Why can't I build to my boundary without a council application? (For applicable properties)
You can, under the QDC siting requirements in all other Councils except Gold Coast City Council. GCCC's Planning Scheme does not allow it unless you have particular circumstances on a very small lot (less than 400m2 in a Medium Density Residential Zone).