Development Applications in Mareeba Shire
Your complete step-by-step guide to lodging a development application (DA) in Mareeba Shire - from determining if you need approval to getting your decision.
Do You Need a Development Approval?
Not all building work or land uses require a development approval. Use this guide to determine if your project needs Council approval.
Usually REQUIRES Development Approval
- •New dwellings (houses, granny flats, dual occupancy)
- •Commercial buildings (shops, offices, warehouses)
- •Subdivisions (creating new lots)
- •Material change of use (e.g., house to business)
- •Significant extensions (adding rooms, carports)
- •Structures over 10m² (sheds, awnings)
- •Swimming pools (above ground and in-ground)
- •Retaining walls over 1 meter high
- •Advertising signage (with some exceptions)
Usually EXEMPT (No DA Required)
- •Small sheds under 10m² (one only)
- •Internal renovations (not structural)
- •Minor repairs (fixing existing structures)
- •Painting and rendering
- •Fencing (meeting height limits)
- •Landscaping (without earthworks)
- •Solar panels (roof-mounted on existing buildings)
- •Letterboxes
Note: Even if exempt from DA, you may still need a building approval. Check with Council.
Important: Pre-Lodgement Enquiry Recommended
Before starting your application, it's highly recommended to:
- • Contact Council's planning team for a pre-lodgement meeting
- • Review the Mareeba Shire Planning Scheme online
- • Check zoning and overlays for your property
- • Understand code vs impact assessment requirements
Pre-lodgement meetings are usually free and can save time and money by identifying issues early.
Types of Assessment
The Mareeba Shire Planning Scheme determines which type of assessment applies to your development.
Code Assessment
What is it?
Your application is assessed against specific codes in the planning scheme. If it meets all requirements, it must be approved.
Key Features:
- ✓ No public notification required
- ✓ Faster decision timeframe
- ✓ Must be approved if code-compliant
- ✓ More predictable outcome
Typical Examples:
- • Single dwelling in residential zone
- • Compliant shed or carport
- • Standard home business
- • Minor subdivision (reconfiguration)
Impact Assessment
What is it?
Council assesses potential impacts on surrounding properties and the community. Approval is at Council's discretion.
Key Features:
- • Public notification required
- • Submissions accepted (21 days)
- • Longer assessment timeframe
- • Council discretion on approval
Typical Examples:
- • Commercial development
- • Non-compliant applications
- • Multi-unit developments
- • Major subdivisions
How do I know which applies? The Planning Scheme's tables indicate the assessment level for each use in each zone. Council's planning team can advise during a pre-lodgement meeting.
Step-by-Step DA Process
Pre-Lodgement Consultation
Contact Council's planning team to discuss your proposal before preparing your application. This step is optional but highly recommended.
What to bring:
- • Property address or lot/plan details
- • Sketch or concept plans
- • Description of proposed use/development
- • Any questions or concerns
Cost: Usually free | Time: Book 1-2 weeks ahead
Prepare Your Application
Engage qualified professionals (town planner, architect, surveyor) to prepare your application documents.
Required documents typically include:
- • Completed DA application form
- • Site plan showing proposal
- • Building plans and elevations
- • Planning report addressing codes
- • Title search and survey plan
- • Specialist reports (e.g., traffic, noise, environmental)
Time: 2-8 weeks depending on complexity
Lodge Your Application
Submit your completed application and fee to Mareeba Shire Council.
Lodgement options:
- • In person: 65 Rankin Street, Mareeba (Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm)
- • By post: PO Box 154, Mareeba QLD 4880
- • Email: [email protected] (check file size limits)
What happens next: Council will acknowledge receipt and assign a reference number
Assessment & Information Requests
Council reviews your application. They may request further information or amended plans.
During assessment:
- • Council checks application is complete
- • May request additional information (clock stops)
- • Impact assessments: public notification occurs
- • Referrals to state agencies if required
- • Assessment against planning scheme codes
Tip: Respond quickly to information requests to avoid delays
Decision Issued
Council issues a decision notice approving or refusing your application, or requiring negotiated changes.
Possible outcomes:
- ✓ Approved: Proceed with conditions (if any)
- ✓ Approved with conditions: Must comply with all conditions
- ✗ Refused: Right of appeal to Planning & Environment Court
- ~ Negotiated outcome: Amend plans to address concerns
Lapsing: Approvals typically lapse if not acted upon within 2-4 years (check your decision)
Appeal Period & Commencement
After approval, there's a 21-day appeal period for impact assessments. Code assessments have no appeal rights for third parties.
Before starting work:
- • Wait for appeal period to expire (impact assessments)
- • Obtain building approval if required
- • Comply with all conditions of approval
- • Check if bonds or securities are required
Assessment Timeframes
Queensland planning legislation sets statutory timeframes for Council to assess DAs. Actual timeframes depend on application complexity and completeness.
Code Assessment
Statutory timeframe:
20
business days
From lodgement of properly made application. Clock stops if Council requests further information.
Impact Assessment
Statutory timeframe:
35
business days
From end of public notification period. Longer if referrals to state agencies required.
Factors That Affect Timeframes:
- •Incomplete applications: Clock doesn't start until properly made
- •Information requests: Clock stops while awaiting response
- •Public submissions: May require additional time to address
- •Referrals: State agency responses can take 20-30 days
- •Complexity: Large or complex projects take longer
- •Peak periods: End of financial year can be busier
Realistic Timeframes:
• Simple code assessment (e.g., shed): 4-6 weeks total
• Standard dwelling: 6-10 weeks
• Impact assessment: 10-16 weeks
• Complex commercial: 16-24 weeks or more
These include application preparation and assessment time. Simple applications can be faster.
Development Application Fees
DA fees are set annually by Council and vary based on the type and value of development. Fees must be paid at lodgement.
Small Projects
$500-$1,500
Typical range
- • Small shed or carport
- • Minor extension
- • Home business
- • Swimming pool
Medium Projects
$1,500-$5,000
Typical range
- • New dwelling
- • Dual occupancy
- • Small commercial building
- • Minor subdivision
Large Projects
$5,000+
Varies significantly
- • Multi-unit development
- • Major subdivision
- • Shopping centre
- • Industrial facility
Fee Structure:
Mareeba Shire uses a combination of fixed fees and percentage-based fees depending on development type and value.
- •Base fee: Covers initial assessment work
- •Value-based component: Percentage of estimated development cost for larger projects
- •Additional fees: May apply for amended plans, extension of approvals
Additional Costs to Consider:
- • Professional fees: Town planner ($1,500-$10,000+), architect, surveyor
- • Specialist reports: Traffic study, acoustic report, environmental assessment ($1,000-$5,000 each)
- • Infrastructure charges: May apply for new lots or intensified use
- • Building certification: Separate fees for building approval
Tip: Request a fee estimate from Council during pre-lodgement meeting. Check the Council's Fees and Charges schedule on their website.
Tips for Faster Approval
1. Pre-Lodgement Meeting
Discuss your proposal with Council before lodging. Identify issues early and understand requirements.
2. Engage Experienced Professionals
Use planners, architects, and consultants familiar with Mareeba Shire's planning scheme and processes.
3. Submit Complete Application
Include all required documents and information at lodgement. Incomplete applications delay the start of assessment.
4. Design to Code Standards
Meet all planning scheme code requirements to streamline assessment and avoid negotiation or refusal.
5. Respond Quickly to Requests
When Council requests information or amendments, respond as soon as possible. The assessment clock stops while waiting.
6. Consider Private Certification
For building work, private certifiers can provide faster approvals than Council (separate to DA).
7. Address Neighbour Concerns Early
Talk to neighbours about your plans before lodging. Address concerns in your design to avoid submissions.
8. Avoid Peak Periods
If possible, lodge outside end-of-financial-year rush (May-June) when Council is busiest.
Private Certifier Option
For building work, you can choose between Council building certification or a private certifier.
Private Certifier Benefits:
- ✓Faster response times
- ✓More flexible inspection schedules
- ✓Direct point of contact
- ✓Specialist expertise
Note: Private certifiers only handle building approval, not development approval (DA). You still need a DA from Council first.
Council Certification:
- ✓One-stop-shop for DA and building approval
- ✓Potentially lower fees for simple projects
- ✓Familiar with local conditions
Finding a Private Certifier:
Search the QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission) website for licensed certifiers operating in Mareeba Shire.
Visit QBCC Website →Planning Resources & Links
Contact Council Planning
Phone: (07) 4086 9700
Email: [email protected]
Address: 65 Rankin Street, Mareeba
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm