Did you know some applications can be fast tracked? Jessica Reynolds from Urban Planners Queensland gives you a quick tip how to get your subdivision approval faster.
Short answer: under Queensland’s Development Assessment Rules (version 3.0, in force since 18 July 2025), council has a decision period of 35 business days once the earlier stages are finished. In practice, the whole process usually takes a few months, depending on the type of application:
- a code assessable application can take up to 3 months
- an impact assessable application can take anywhere between 6 months and 2 years, because it also needs public notification and can attract submissions
Updated October 2026: we’ve added the statutory timeframes from the current DA Rules and updated the Brisbane RiskSMART details. The 3 month and 6 month to 2 year figures are a practical guide from experience, not legal limits.
The statutory timeframes for a DA in Queensland
The Planning Act 2016 and the DA Rules set out each stage. All periods are business days, and the days between 26 December and 1 January don’t count.
- Confirmation: council has 10 business days after receiving the application to confirm it is properly made and tell you what happens next.
- Referral: if state agencies (such as SARA) need to assess part of the application, you have 10 business days to refer it. Each agency then has 25 business days, unless a different period is prescribed.
- Information request: council can ask for more information within 10 business days after the confirmation stage. You then have 3 months to respond, unless you agree a longer period.
- Public notification (impact assessable only): at least 15 business days, or 30 business days if the application includes a variation request.
- Decision: council has 35 business days to decide, and then 5 business days to issue the decision notice. Time council spends on an information request (up to 10 days) comes out of the decision period. The decision period can be extended if you and council agree.
The clock also stops while you are working on an information request, and either side can agree to more time, which is why real-world timeframes are longer than the statutory periods add up to.
Can a DA be fast tracked?
There are a number of fast track systems available in Queensland, however each council has its own system. For example Brisbane City Council has its RiskSMART express assessment for low-risk, decision-ready applications, such as new houses and extensions, subdivisions of up to five lots and some low-impact industry and centre uses. If your application is eligible and complies with the planning scheme, council says you can expect a decision within 10 business days. Other councils have their own fast track or pre-lodgement services, so check with your council.
Other factors can delay approval, such as information requests, referral agency responses and holiday periods, but in general always budget for at least 3 months for code assessable and 6 months for impact assessable applications.
To see what has been lodged near your site, use the Development Activity page in Stash. See View recent development applications. Then check the council record for the current status and decision date.
If you need a help to speed up your development process, work with your townplanner closely or reach out to Jessica from Urban Planners Queensland for advice. This post is general information, not planning or legal advice.
