Development approvals and exemptions

Before making an application

This will help identify the requirements relevant to your specific situation and help you guide and record the development decisions you make.

There are different types of approvals required for different types of work.

No application required.
Read more about General Exemption Certificates.
Provides pre-approval for minor work and maintenance. The certificate puts strict limitations and conditions on the type and scope of work approved and how it is carried out.
No fees apply.

Read more about heritage Exemption Certificates.
Required for projects or work that have no more than a minor detrimental impact on the heritage values of a place.
No fees apply.

Make a Development Application under the Planning Act 2016 for work that has more than a minor detrimental impact on the heritage values of a place.
Refer to the Guideline: State Development Assessment Provisions guideline – State Code 14: Queensland heritage (PDF, 1.86MB) when preparing your development application.
Use the checklist in the Guideline: Developing heritage places – Using the development criteria (PDF, 3.4MB) to guide the heritage development process.
Fees may apply.
The Planning Act 2016 is administered by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.

Read more about Development by the State applications.
Required for development that is to be carried out by the Queensland Government on places on the Queensland Heritage Register.
Use the checklist in the Guideline: Developing heritage places – Using the development criteria (PDF, 3.4MB) to guide the heritage development process.
No fees apply.

Read more about heritage agreements.
Allow for specific development at a place with streamlined ongoing approval required from us.
No fees apply.