Development advice services
By seeking advice in the early stages of a proposal, you can identify and address issues. This can improve the quality of your application and save money.
Council’s advice services can help you understand what supporting information you may need before you lodge your application.
We can help you to clarify process and timeframes, advise of the relevant legislative and planning scheme requirements, and identify any specific technical issues.
Online tools and self-service information
Before you seek advice, check out our self-service options:
- Development.i - Stay informed of all development applications in the Sunshine Coast local government area.
- Site Report - Free general town planning and zoning information for individual properties.
- Building and development fact sheets and guides for help with the planning scheme
- Report a plumbing, building or development issue online.
Which Development Advice Service suits your needs?
Council offers a range of development advice services to help customers at all stages of their planning and development journey.
Request initial advice
| Chat to a Development Information Officer | Pre-purchase meeting | Sunshine Coast Design advice meeting |
Request Written Advice or Pre-Assessment Services
| Written Advice | Pre-assessment of technical reports | Plan sealing pre-assessment service |
Request a meeting
| Pre-lodgement meeting | Personalised case management | Operational work pre-design advice meeting |
Please note: These services do not provide an indication of support or otherwise for a particular development proposal. Any advice provided does not constitute approval.
In some circumstances, you may wish to change your development approval and Council may need to approve these changes before you can start your project.
Council encourages you to seek advice from Development Services to confirm any change application process and what information you need to provide.
Find out how to apply for a change to your development approval or request a generally in accordance letter.
Fees
Fees for Development Advice Services are listed in the Development Services Register of Cost Recovery Fees and Charges.
Council considers requests for refunds as per the Development Services Register of Cost Recovery Fees and Charges.
Pre-purchase meeting
We offer planning and development advice before you commit to purchasing a property.
Request for written advice
You can request written advice for specific information about your property.
Sunshine Coast Design Advice meeting
Our Sunshine Coast Design Advice meeting is a design meeting with one Council architect or urban designer.
Pre-lodgement meeting
Pre-lodgement services are suitable for advice on specific issues or if you wish to request a change to your existing approval.
Pre-assessment of technical reports
This service is suitable for customers who are seeking assessment of specialist technical reports prior to lodgement of a development application.
Personalised case management
Personalised Case Management supports complex or major developments and projects through the application process.
Operational Work Pre-design advice meeting
Once you have your material change of use and/or reconfiguring of a lot approval, you may need engineering, environmental and landscaping feedback on detailed design and/or operational work requirements.
Pre-assessment of plan sealing
You need a sealed plan to create new land titles, easements and/or covenants and to transfer land to Council for drainage reserves and parks.