If you're undertaking a development in Brisbane, you might encounter a requirement to consult with your neighbours. This guide explains why and how to do it, ensuring a smooth process for your Concurrence Agency Application (Siting Variation).
What is Neighbour Consultation and Why is it Needed?
Q: What is a Concurrence Agency Application (Siting Variation)?
A: As part of our certification review of your proposed development, it has been determined that a Concurrence Agency Application (Siting Variation) will be required. This typically occurs when your proposed building work doesn't comply with a prescribed building control requirement.
Q: Why do I need to consult my neighbours?
A: In accordance with Council policy, neighbouring property owners that may be affected by the proposed building works are to be advised of the intended works affecting their site, and are to be provided with the Consulting with Neighbours Guidelines should they wish to make a response to Council regarding the Concurrence Agency Application.
Q: Who is considered an "affected neighbour"?
A: An affected Neighbour is a property that is deemed to be impacted by the proposed building work due to non-compliance with a prescribed building control requirement. Please refer to the Table below as a basic guide on which adjoining site you should contact. For example:
|
Development Site Boundary proposing an impact on adjoining sites |
Adjoining site is to be considered an affect Neighbour |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Site/s to the left | Site/s to the right | Site/s to the Rear | |
| Front Boundary - Required | Yes | Yes | No |
| Left Hand Side Boundary only - Required | Yes | No | No |
| Right Hand Side Boundary only - Required | No | Yes | No |
| Rear Boundary only - Required | No | No | Yes |
How to Consult Your Affected Neighbours
Q: How do I actually consult with my neighbours?
A: Council's Neighbours Consultation Policy requires you to attempt to contact property owners affected by your proposed development via any means such as in person, electronically, through the post or leaving documentation at their property.
Q: What information should I provide to my neighbours?
A: A site plan and external elevations of the proposed building works should be provided along with a copy of the Consulting with Neighbours Guidelines document. You do not need to present internal floor plans to your affected neighbours.
You can download the Consulting with Neighbours Guidelines document here:
After Consultation: Completing the Process
Q: What do I need to do after I've consulted with my neighbours?
A: To allow Cornerstone to inform Council of your consultation efforts, we request the form below be completed. This will allow the Concurrence Agency Application submission to be processed in a timely manner. The form provides sections for Affected Property Details where you'll fill in the Address, Date of Consultation, and whether the affected neighbour is making a response to Council. If they are making a response, you need to state their reasons for their planned response.
Q: Why is it important to complete this form promptly?
A: Please note that failing to provide this consultation information could cause potentially significant delays in the Concurrency application lodgement and assessment time frames.
Q: What am I confirming when I sign the form?
A: By completing and signing our form below, you, the owner/s of, and/or, the Applicant/s authorised to sign on behalf of the Owners, confirm that the affected neighbouring properties as detailed in the table above, have been consulted regarding the proposed development, that plans have been presented, have been advised on their right to respond to the Development through Council, and declare this information to be true and correct.