Major changes to building rules will come into effect next month as Brisbane City Council continues to push through its plan to create more housing in key areas.
Changes to Brisbane’s low-medium density residential zones will encourage more duplexes, row houses and low-rise apartments.
The Council also announced this week that public consultation was opening for the Upper Mt Gravatt Centre draft Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan.
The plan is aimed at unlocking more homes, increasing housing choice and supporting better walking, cycling and public transport connections.
The Upper Mt Gravatt plan will support the adjacent Mt Gravatt Centre Suburban Renewal Precinct Plan which will be adopted from September 18, 2026.
This follows the previous adoption of Suburban Renewal Precinct Plans for Stones Corner and Wynnum Centre.
Planning is underway to create similar plans for Alderley, Cannon Hill, Chermside and Sandgate.
From September 18, 2026, major changes will also take effect in Brisbane’s low-medium density residential zones.
“The More Homes, Sooner: Low-medium density residential zone review is designed to encourage more duplexes, row houses and low-rise apartments,” Brisbane City Council said in a statement.
“The changes include a simpler three or four storey zoning framework, smaller minimum lot sizes and making the assessment process simpler for residential development.
“They will also allow more subdivision near centres in low-density areas.”
BCC said that the Mt Gravatt Centre Precinct Plan had been through a consultation process, and this resulted in reductions to proposed maximum building heights in several locations.
Changes include:
- Reducing proposed maximum building heights from 12 storeys to 10 storeys in parts of the centre.
- Reducing proposed maximum heights from eight storeys to five storeys in selected interface areas.
- Reducing proposed maximum heights from 10 storeys to eight storeys along parts of Tenby Street.
- Retaining medium-density residential zoning in some locations originally proposed for higher-density housing.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane needed more homes in places where people could easily access public transport, jobs, shops, schools and services.
“We’re pulling every lever available to Council to get more homes built sooner and give residents the opportunity to live in the city they love,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Brisbane is growing quickly and housing is one of the biggest challenges facing our city.
“We have a clear plan to meet that challenge rather than sit back and wait.”
Cr Schrinner said the zoning reforms were designed to deliver more housing choice while maintaining the suburban character Brisbane residents value.
City Planning, Suburban Renewal and Economic Development Chair Adam Allan said the council had listened to Mr Gravatt residents and made relevant changes to plans for that area.
“Now we’re turning our attention to Upper Mt Gravatt and asking locals to help shape the next chapter for this important southern centre,” Cr Allan said.
“Just like we’re doing in Stones Corner and Wynnum Centre, we want to see renewal that supports small businesses, creates more to see and do and strengthens the community.”
More details on the Upper Mt Gravatt plan are here
