How to Speed Up Council Building Approval
August 20, 2025
Your roadmap to faster council approvals and fewer headaches
While we aim to avoid council approvals where possible, we understand that sometimes you don't want to compromise on your dream – and we hear you. If your build requires council approval, here are some proven ways to ensure the process is as quick and smooth as possible.
Don't Cut Corners on Documentation
Want a surefire way to delay your approval? Submit incomplete plans or forget a key document. We've watched families wait months because they missed one piece of paperwork.
Here's what you'll typically need for a smooth approval process:
- Site plan, floor plans, and elevations
- Engineering details (structural documentation)
- Sewer and stormwater plans
- Energy efficiency report
- Title search and site survey
- Any specialist reports (bushfire, acoustic, etc.)
We can help you gather all the required documentation. Don't try to navigate this alone – it's not worth the risk of delays and costly mistakes.
Get Pre-Approval Advice – It's a Game Changer
Did you know you can book a pre-lodgement meeting with your local council? Whether you're building in Moreton, Ipswich, Logan, or Gold Coast, this gives you the opportunity to:
- Ask all your burning questions
- Clarify complex planning rules
- Get early feedback on your design
- Build rapport with the assessment team
This can be absolute gold for challenging blocks or if your design pushes boundaries. Think of it as insurance against rejection.
Be Ready to Respond Quickly
Sometimes the council or certifier will come back with an RFI (Request for Information). Don't panic – this is completely normal. But here's where speed makes all the difference.
The faster you respond with clear, complete answers, the faster your Granny Flat approval moves through the system. Treat these requests like priority mail, because that's exactly what they are.
When in Doubt, Call in the Experts
If your project hits a snag, for example zoning challenges or energy efficiency overwhelm, don't try to battle it alone. We've seen too many families get months into their project only to hit a roadblock, pushing back their builds and costing them valuable time and money.
We know building a Granny Flat in South-East Queensland can be confusing, which is why we created the "21 Steps to Building a Successful Granny Flat". It's packed with real advice from our Queensland builds, including design tips, approval checklists, and insider shortcuts that most builders won't share.
This isn't some generic guide. It's based on real projects we've completed – the kind of practical advice that only comes from actually doing the work, day in and day out.
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