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Gold Coast Subdivisions. What is the minimum Lot Size?

The minimum lot size requirements in different zones within the Gold Coast will vary depending on the specific zoning designation of the property.

The minimum lot size requirements in different zones within the Gold Coast will vary depending on the specific zoning designation of the property. The Gold Coast City Plan is the relevant planning instrument that dictates minimum lot sizes within the City. The minimum lot size for some of the most popular zones in the City is discussed below, along with a short discussion on if Council provide any leniency on these minimum lot sizes.

 

Low Density Residential Zone

The key consideration when determining the minimum lot size within the Low Density Residential Zone is if your property is:

  • on a corner
  • has dual road frontage or;
  • is within the Residential Density Overlay

 

If you are not meeting any of the three criteria listed, then the minimum lot size is 600m2. If you do meet any of the criteria above then the minimum lot size is 400m2. You can learn more about this in our learning hub post about the Low Density Residential Zone – https://alignplanning.com.au/gold-coast-city-plan-what-is-the-low-density-residential-zone-and-what-can-i-do/

In Align’s experience the City of Gold Coast very rarely provides any leniency on the minimum lot sizes stipulated above. On the rare occasions when a site is surrounded by smaller allotment Council may provide some leniency , but this is judged on a case by case basis.

If your property is located within the Large Lot precinct of the Low Density Residential Zone then no subdivisions are allowed. This is a hard and fast rule that Council enforces in Align’s experience. Align is not aware of any subdivisions approved within the Large Lot Precinct in the city since the introduction of the current City Plan in 2016.

 

Medium Density Residential Zone

The minimum lot size within the Medium Density Residential Zone is 400m2 or lower if the site is idnetfied within the Residential Density Overlay Map. The Residential Density Overlay Map will identify the desired density for a property in the Medium Density Residential Zone, with City of Gold Coast allowing for property owners to subdivide down to the density. For example, if a property is identified as having a residential density of RD3 (1 Dwelling per 250m2) then Council will allow property owners to subdivide to a minimum lot size of 250m2. You can learn more about this in our learning hub post about the Medium Density Residential Zone – https://alignplanning.com.au/gold-coast-city-plan-what-is-the-medium-density-residential-zone-and-what-can-i-do/

Rural Residential Zone

The minimum lot size within the Rural Residential Zone (where not located within the Rural Residential Landscape and Environment Precinct) can be a little confusing. The minimum lot size is described as follows:

A minimum lot size of 4,000m2 and a minimum average lot size of 8,000m2

You need to meet both of these parameters to satisfy the minimum lot size. For example, you could have a 16,000m2 property and subdivide it into two lots of 12,000m2 and 4,000m2, this would satisfy both parameters. If you decided to subdivide the two lots to 13,000m2 and 3,000m2 it would not satisfy both parameters and a higher level of assessment would be triggered. Opportunities do exist within the Rural Residential Zone to push these minimum lot sizes, with this discussed in a previous learning hub post – https://alignplanning.com.au/rural-residential-subdivision-opportunities-within-the-gold-coast/

 

If you have a property in the landscape and Environment Precinct of the Rural Residential Zone then the minimum lot size jumps to 16,000m2. To check if your property is within the Landscape and Environment Precinct you will need to check the Gold Coast City Plan interactive mapping or speak to a town planner.

 

Rural Zone

The minimum lot size within the Rural Zone is 100 hectares and if a property is located within the Rural Landscape and Environment Precinct no new lots are allowed. However, Align does have experience in achieving subdivisions in Rural Zoned properties where it can be demonstrated that the zoning is incorrect. If properties are surrounded by smaller lots more suitable to the Rural Residential Zone for example Council has demonstrated leniency to allow for subdivisions more consistent with the Rural Residential Zone. To check if your rural property could possibly be subdivided contact a town planner

If you are considering undertaking a subdivision in the Gold Coast don’t hesitate to contact Align Planning to discuss