Changes to rooming accommodation approvals
The Queensland government has lifted a requirement for local government planning approval under certain conditions to make providing rooming accommodation easier.
By removing the requirement for local government planning approval, providing other requirements are met, the state government can accelerate the development of rooming accommodation in areas where residential development is expected.
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Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning Steven Miles said the change to the Planning Regulation would provide more housing options in lower-density residential zones.
“It’s imperative that we tackle the current housing challenges by providing a greater diversity of housing options for Queenslanders.
“The change does not affect the need for rooming accommodation to be assessed under the building framework and to obtain all other necessary approvals, such as for plumbing or drainage.”
According to the Queensland Government, rooming accommodation is residential accommodation where each resident can only occupy one or more rooms on the premises as agreed, rather than the whole premises. Other rooms within the premises, facilities, furniture, or equipment outside of the residents’ rooms are shared with the other residents at the premises.
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These amendments to the Planning Regulation refine the regulation of small-scale rooming accommodation and dwelling houses in lower-density residential zones and provide state-wide consistency in relation to the types of housing that can be expected within residential zones, the State Government says.
“Making it easier for rooming accommodation to be developed means more options for Queenslanders who need a place to live.
“The change will help to provide greater housing diversity in the lower-density residential zone, low-medium density residential zone and general residential zones across Queensland.
“This builds on other recent Queensland Government initiatives to provide more affordable housing options.
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“We are committed to ensuring that every Queenslander has a place they can call their home,” Mr Miles said.
The amendments to the Planning Regulation were approved on 1 December 2022 and came into effect on Friday 2 December 2022.
The amendments do not remove the requirement to obtain any other relevant approvals, such as for building works, plumbing or drainage or for the registration and accreditation needed to lawfully operate rooming accommodation in Queensland, the government says.
For more information on the changes visit the Queensland Government Planning website here.
