What drawings do you need for building approval in Brisbane?

The standard drawing types

Every building approval application needs a drawing set that clearly communicates what is being built. The drawings are assessed by a private building certifier against the National Construction Code and the Queensland Development Code. The standard drawing types are:

Site plan

The site plan shows the property from above, the lot boundaries, north point, the location of the proposed structure on the lot, and the setback dimensions to all boundaries. It also shows existing structures on the lot (the house, sheds, pools) and their relationship to the new structure.

The certifier uses the site plan to verify setback compliance, checking that the proposed structure meets the required distances from all boundaries under the Queensland Development Code.

Floor plan

The floor plan shows the structure itself from above, its internal layout, dimensions, and configuration. For a carport, this is the footprint and column positions. For a deck, this is the deck layout and structural framing. For a room extension, this is the floor layout showing walls, openings, and room dimensions.

Elevations

Elevations are drawings of the structure viewed from the outside, front, rear, and side views. They show the height of the structure, the roof form, wall materials, and how the new structure meets the existing building. For elevated decks, elevations show the finished floor height above ground and the balustrade detail.

The certifier checks elevations to verify that height limits are met and that the structure reads correctly in three dimensions.

Roof plan

The roof plan shows the roof structure from above, the rafter layout, drainage direction, and connection to the existing roof where applicable. Carports and roofed patios always require a roof plan. Open decks without a roof do not.

Framing layout (decks)

For elevated decks, a framing layout showing the bearer and joist arrangement, post positions, and connection details is required. The certifier uses this to verify the structural adequacy of the framing system.

Specification notes

Specification notes document the materials, roof type, structural approach, and other technical details that aren’t visible on the drawings alone. For carports, this typically includes roof sheeting type, column material, and connection method. For decks, it includes the decking material, balustrade type, and post specifications.

Drawing requirements by project type

When engineering is required

Engineering certification is a separate document to the drawing set, it’s a certificate from a licensed structural engineer confirming that the structural elements of the design meet the required standards. Engineering is not always required, but it commonly is for:

• —Elevated decks (especially those over 1.5m above ground)
• —Room extensions (for footings, structural walls, lintels, and roof framing)
• —Roofed patios and carports with spans that exceed prescriptive NCC limits
• —Any structure on a site with unusual soil or slope conditions

Engineering is arranged directly with a structural engineer and is not included in the drafting fee. We advise at suitability review whether engineering is likely to be required for your project.

How Plan Draft helps

Plan Draft produces the complete drawing set your certifier needs, the site plan, floor plans, elevations, roof plan, framing layout (where required), and specification notes. All drawings are produced as digital PDFs suitable for certifier lodgement.

Fixed price drawing sets for carports ($2,490), decks and patios ($2,990), and room extensions (from $3,490). Send us your project details and we’ll confirm suitability within one business day.

Common questions