Building approval vs development approval, what's the difference?

In Queensland, a Development Application (DA) goes to council and deals with planning — whether your project is allowed under the planning scheme. A Building Approval (BA) goes to a private certifier and deals with the building code — structural safety, fire, energy efficiency. Most significant renovations, extensions and new builds in Brisbane need both.

There are two separate approval systems in Queensland that deal with different questions entirely.

Development Approval (DA)

Goes to your local council. Deals with planning: is your project appropriate for this location? Council assesses against the City Plan — height, setbacks, site coverage, character, amenity.

Building Approval (BA)

Goes to a private building certifier. Deals with the building code: is it structurally sound, fire-safe, energy-efficient, accessible? Almost all structural work needs a BA.

Which do you need?

DA only: Rare — typically a change of use without building work.

BA only: Common for compliant projects with structural work.

Both: Most significant renovations, extensions, new builds and secondary dwellings.

Neither: Purely cosmetic internal work.

At SheltaCo, we manage both. One architect handles your DA and BA documentation so nothing falls through the cracks.