Planning schemes change more often than most people expect. Here is a round-up of the changes around South East Queensland that touch patios and carports, as of October 2026. We check the current version for every quote.
Already in effect
- Brisbane: City Plan version 37.00/2026 took effect on 18 September 2026. Lots under 180 m² now have their own section of the small lot code, including 55% site cover and covered parking 5.5 m back from the front boundary.
- Gold Coast: City Plan version 14 commenced on 29 September 2026, and the City’s 2026-27 fees were adopted in June.
- Ipswich: Ipswich City Plan 2025 replaced the old scheme, and version 2 took effect on 1 July 2026. Older plans and advice may no longer match.
- Logan: the scheme is at version 9.2 with temporary flood rules (TLPI 1/2024) in force since 1 July 2025.
Coming up
- Logan’s temporary flood rules expire on 6 March 2027 unless replaced sooner, and council is writing a new scheme, Logan Plan.
- NCC 2025 becomes the building code in Queensland on 1 May 2027.
- Brisbane amendment packages are on exhibition, including updated bushfire policy, a standard drawing for narrow and shared driveways, and small-scale housing changes.
- Redland Major Amendment 02/25 (Residential) and Scenic Rim Major Amendment No. 8 are on exhibition.
- Queensland has put out a new draft State Planning Policy with one statewide approach to flood mapping.
What it means for you
For most patios and carports these changes are small. They matter most on small lots in Brisbane, in flood-mapped parts of Logan, and for anyone holding plans drawn under Ipswich’s old scheme. If you had a quote or plans done a while ago, ask us to re-check them.