How long does a DA take in Queensland?

Statutory timelines under the Queensland Planning Act:

Code Assessable - Initial 10 business days: council confirms the application is properly made. - 35 business days: assessment. - Optionally extended by an Information Request (IR) which pauses the clock. - Decision must be issued within 35 business days of all responses received. - Realistic median: 5–13 weeks decision, depending on IR cycles.

Impact Assessable - Initial 10 business days: properly-made check. - 35 business days: assessment. - 15 business days: public notification (required, statutory). - 15 business days: submitter response review. - IR cycles extend the timeline. - Realistic median: 16–30 weeks decision.

The full project timeline is much longer than just the DA decision. Real-world median for an SEQ Code Assessable Reconfiguration of a Lot:

- Pre-lodgement and design coordination: 6–12 weeks. - DA decision: 5–13 weeks (including 1 IR cycle). - Operational works DA: 4–8 weeks (often run in parallel with the RoL decision). - Operational works construction: 8–16 weeks. - Survey plan signing and titles created: 4–8 weeks. - Total: 27–57 weeks (~6–13 months) from lodgement to titles.

For a Code Assessable Material Change of Use for a 4-pack townhouse:

- DA decision: 9–15 weeks. - Building Works approval: 4–8 weeks. - Construction: 12–18 months. - Total: 18–24 months from lodgement to settlements.

Impact Assessable adds 3–9 months across these timelines. Casa Daily's DA Pathway tool shows the actual historical median for the specific lot's zone and overlay profile, anchored in the council's published metrics.