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In short, it varies from property to property in the City!
The rules and regulations around how close you can build to the boundary vary depending on several factors, such as the zoning of the property, size and location of the property, and the type of development being proposed.
The below table summarises the basic setback requirements within some of the different zones of the Gold Coast:
| Zoning | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback |
| Low Density Residential Zone | 6m to any structure | Ground floor – 1.5m
Second storey – 2m Third storey – 2.5m (increases 0.5m every storey) |
Ground floor – 1.5m
Second storey – 2m Third storey – 2.5m (increases 0.5m every storey) |
| Medium Density Residential Zone | 4m to any structure and 6m to an enclosed carpark (Garage) | Ground floor – 1.5m
Second storey – 2m Third storey – 2.5m (increases 0.5m every storey) |
Ground floor – 1.5m
Second storey – 2m Third storey – 2.5m (increases 0.5m every storey) |
| High Density Residential Zone | 4m to any structure and 6m to an enclosed carpark (Garage) | Ground floor – 1.5m
Second storey – 2m Third storey – 2.5m (increases 0.5m every storey) |
Ground floor – 1.5m
Second storey – 2m Third storey – 2.5m (increases 0.5m every storey) |
| Medium and High Density Residential Zone if a small lot (lot size under 400m2) | 4.5m to wall and balcony
1m behind front wall or balcony; and 6m from the frontage where vehicles access the lot.
|
Ground floor – 1m to wall and balcony
0.5m to outermost projection (eaves etc)
0m to class 10 building and/or non-habitable room where:
Second Storey – 1.5m to wall and balcony 1m to outermost projection
|
|
| Rural Residential Zone | 6m to any structure | 3m to any structure | 3m to any structure |
| Rural Zone | 10m to any structure | 6m to any structure | 6m to any structure |
It is important to note that should you encroach on any of the setbacks requirements of the Gold Coast City Plan, either a development application or a Referral Agency Assessment Application (commonly referred to as a relaxation) would be required. A development application is more complex than a Referral Agency Assessment, with the Referral Agency Assessment only reviewing the encroachment of the setback, while a Development Application considers all elements of a building.
So, how strict is City of Gold Coast on the setbacks stipulated above? In Aligns experience, Council does allow for slight non compliances of the setbacks as long as it doesn’t adversely impact on the amenity of the neighbouring property. Key things Council considers when reviewing an application to encroach on the side and rear setbacks is the size of the encroachment (i.e. is it just a slight portion of the building or large), the structure that is encroaching (i.e. a garage or habitable rooms), the location of windows (if the encroachment is above the ground floor), the width of the property (i.e. is it a 10m wide site that makes it difficult to satisfy setbacks) and the character of the area (i.e. is it common for encroachments to setbacks within the area). It is imperative that your building designer is aware of the setback requirements, and should the building be attempting to encroach on setbacks this has been considered within the design.
Should you be looking to undertake a development that encroaches on the setback requirements of the Gold Coast City Plan or if you are ensure if an application is required to Council contact Align Planning for an obligation free discussion.