This is the first of our Town Planner interview series, where we’ll bring you insights from Town Planners, specific to the Australian state they operate within.
What role does a Town Planner play within Property Investment?
Town Planners are a vital piece of the property puzzle when it comes to weaving your way through what can feel like a development approval maze.
Town Planners act as the third person between yourself and the local council – communicating your development and seeking timely approvals.
When should you engage a Town Planner for your development?
- You can either engage a Town Planner from the outset before submitting a development application to your local council area or after you have received an initial response from your local council.
- Waiting until after the initial council feedback can be wise, as there are some application types that will be straightforward and generally not require the assistance of the Town Planner, whereas others can be more time-consuming and detailed.
Understanding Area Zone Types
What are the common types of residential zones in Queensland and what do they mean?
It is really important to understand what each of the residential zones is used for – which basically demonstrates how the local council envisaged that land would be used.
Six key area zones to understand in Queensland include:
- Low-Density Residential Zone
- Limited to 400 square metre lots with single-detached housing.
- Commercial development potentially approved if for in-need services such as Child Care or Medical Centres.
- Character Zone
Two types of Character Zones; CR1 “Character Character Zone” and CR2 “Character Character Infil Zone”.
CR1 Zone
- Even more restrictive than Low-Density Residential Zones
- Generally limited to 450 square metre minimum lot sizes, with single-detached housing.
- Therefore prevent the land from being divided into smaller lots than 450 square metres and developments other than a single house build.
CR2 Zone
- Often offers more flexibility than CR1, with a minimum lot of 300 square metres for front lots and 400 square metres for rear lots.
- A duplex development could potentially be approved.
- Low Medium Density Residential Zone (L2, L 2-3 or L3)
- Two or three levels are likely to be permitted.
- The different types L2, L2-3 and L3 communicate how many levels are envisaged for development in that zone, with L2 being two levels, L2-3 being two or three levels and L3 being three levels.
- Subdivisions, apartments and townhouses are common development types.
- However, the exact lot location and surrounding may impact some approvals.
- Medium Density Residential Zone. High Des Residential Zone
- Typically five stories or less are permitted
- However, the exact lot location and surrounding may impact some approvals. For example, a five-story building may not be approved depending on the surroundings, but two or three levels may be permitted.
- High Density Residential Zone
- Involves large tower developments – anything over five stories
- Emerging Communities Zone
- Have generally not been highly explored by the council as of yet.
- Often environmental factors impacting potential development. For example, waterways, excess flooding, bush fire hazards or wildlife habitats.
- Residential development potential with 400 square metre minimum lot sizes for single-detached dwellings
Are you still unsure and have queries holding you back from using Stash to its full potential?
Reach out to our support team, here to help you.
Email support@stashproperty.com.au or connect via our live chat now stashproperty.com.au.
Happy Stashing!
Need a town planner’s advice?
For any town planner’s advice in QLD, please contact Jessica from Urban Planners QLD at (07) 3106 3221. You may also send your inquiries to plan@upqld.com.au.
For more information, please visit their website at www.urbanplannersqld.com.au.
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