Simplifying Setback Requirements for Structures

QDC MP 1.2 is a document that provides design and siting standard for single detached housing in Queensland. It provides various requirements regarding the minimum road setbacks for different types of structures, ensuring they contribute to an acceptable streetscape. Here’s a breakdown:

Performance Requirement P1

P1 specifies that the location of a building or structure must facilitate an acceptable streetscape. This includes considerations such as:

1. The minimum road setback, which depends on various factors such as the bulk of the building or structure, the setbacks of neighboring buildings, and the outlook and views of neighboring residents.
2. In cases where there are existing detached dwellings with differing setbacks, the standard provides specific criteria for determining the minimum road setback.

Overall, P1 aims to ensure that buildings are positioned in a way that contributes positively to the overall visual appeal of the street while considering factors like safety, accessibility, and neighborhood aesthetics.

Performance Requirement P2

P2 specifies requirements for side and rear boundary clearances for buildings or structures. These requirements aim to ensure adequate daylight, ventilation, and privacy for neighboring properties. The specifics of P2 include:

1. For a part of the building or structure with a height of 4.5 meters or less:
   • The minimum side and rear boundary clearance is 1.5 meters.
2. For a part of the building or structure with a height greater than 4.5 meters but not more than 7.5 meters:
   • The minimum side and rear boundary clearance is 2 meters.
3. For a part of the building or structure with a height exceeding 7.5 meters:
   • The minimum side and rear boundary clearance is calculated based on a formula: 2 meters plus 0.5 meters for every 3 meters or part thereof exceeding 7.5 meters in height.

These requirements ensure that buildings or structures are positioned to maintain adequate space between neighboring properties, promoting natural light, airflow, and privacy.

1. For detached dwellings, garages, or carports:
   • The setback is determined by:
     • The size of the building.
     • The setbacks of neighboring buildings.
     • Consideration of neighboring residents’ views and outlook.
     • Ensuring there are no nuisances or safety hazards to the public.
   • Typically, the setback is 6 meters from the road, but there are exceptions:
     • If neighboring buildings have setbacks between 3 meters and 6 meters, and the difference between their setbacks is not more than 2 meters, the setback is determined by the distance between the two buildings (Figure 1).
     • If the difference is more than 2 meters, the setback is determined by the average setback of the adjacent buildings (Figure 2).
2. For corner lots:
   • Setbacks are determined based on the depth of the lot and the road frontages.
   • A specific condition applies to corner lots: no building or structure over 2 meters high is allowed within a 9m by 9m truncation at the corner of the two road frontages (Figure 3).
3. For open carports:
   • The setback may be less than required if certain conditions are met:
     • The perimeter dimension of walls, screens, and supports within the setback is limited.
     • There is no alternative location on-site for a garage or carport that complies with the setback requirement (Figure 4).
4. For swimming pools:
   • Setback requirements differ based on the height of the coping or the presence of a solid wall or fence between the pool and the road. If the pool coping is within the specified height range (1.2m to 1.5m) above the ground, or if there’s a sufficiently tall wall or fence between the pool and the road, there are specific setback requirement for the pool from the road.
   • Additionally, screens, fences, retaining walls, or their combination not exceeding 2 meters in height are excempt.

The information provided above is general in nature and does not account for specific requirements that apply to your property. Please contact our office at KE Certifiers to discuss specific requirements that apply to your property.