Original source · versioned page text
Appendix D - Code Response - Rural Residential Zone Code
Noosa Plan 2020: Amendment 3
Part 6 Zones \ 6.8 Other Zones Category \ 6.8.4 Rural Residential Zone Code
6.8.4 Rural Residential Zone Code
6.8.4.1 Application
This code applies to:-
(a) assessable development on land within the Rural residential zone as identified on the zoning maps contained within Schedule 2 (Mapping); and
(b) acceptable development subject to requirements and identified as requiring assessment against the Rural residential zone code by the tables of assessment in Part
5 (Tables of assessment).
6.8.4.2 Purpose and overall outcomes
(1) The purpose of the Rural residential zone is to provide for residential uses and activities on large lots, including lots for which Council has not provided infrastructure
and services.
(2) The overall outcomes sought for the Rural residential zone are as follows:-
(a) The Rural residential zone provides housing for permanent residents.
(b) Development is low density and semi-rural in nature with houses on large lots being the dominant form of development.
(c) The bulk and scale of development located on that part of the site in the Rural Residential zone is consistent with the building height and scale required by the
performance outcomes of this code.
(d) Non-residential activities are limited to small-scale activities that are compatible with and do not impact on the rural residential character and amenity of the
zone.
(e) The use of dwellings for short-term accommodation is limited to four times and 60 days per calendar year and is within the applicant's principal place of
residence.
(f) Home-based businesses are facilitated where the nature, scale and intensity of the activity is compatible with the low density rural residential character and
amenity of the surrounding locality.
(g) Small scale hosted bed and breakfast accommodation does not impact on the amenity or lifestyle of nearby residents.
(h) Development is reflective of, and responsive to, the physical and environmental constraints of the land, preserving environmental and topographical features
and respecting land constraints including steep slopes, bushfire and flooding.
(i) Natural features such as creeks, gullies, waterways and wetlands are retained, managed and enhanced where possible.
(j) Development maintains and enhances the significant scenic and landscape values of the area including native vegetation.
(k) Development does not reduce the vegetated open space and rural landscapes that frame distinct towns and villages.
(l) Development does not adversely impact on the ongoing operation of agriculture or other rural activities on adjacent properties.
(m) Development does not adversely impact on the continued operation, viability and maintenance of existing infrastructure or compromise the future provision of
planned infrastructure.
(n) Development is located, designed and operated to be responsive to Noosa Shire’s sub-tropical climate and minimises the consumption of energy and water.
Alternate provisions to the Queensland Development Code
Print Date: 23/03/2026 Page 1
See the original
The page text is free to read. Viewing or downloading an original file needs an account.
Log in to see the originalFull text of the other 7 pages
Page 2
Noosa Plan 2020: Amendment 3
Part 6 Zones \ 6.8 Other Zones Category \ 6.8.4 Rural Residential Zone Code
For the purpose of Section 10 of the Building Regulation 2006 and Section 33 of the Building Act 1975, provisions relating to Setback, Building Height and Site Cover
in Table 6.8.4.3 below are alternate provisions to the QDC.
Acceptable outcomes are provided for some, but not all, performance outcomes, and identify ways in which performance outcomes can be met.
Compliance with the performance outcome should be demonstrated and the acceptable outcomes are considered as one way to satisfy the corresponding
performance outcome.
6.8.4.3 Assessment Criteria
Table 6.8.4.3.1 - Criteria for assessment
Performance outcomes Acceptable Outcomes Comments
Role and function
PO1 AO1.1 Only AO1.2 is listed as an assessment benchmark
Development provides for low density, semi-rural living Development other than a dwelling house is under Table 5.5.14.
as well as compatible work from home opportunities, inconspicuous and presents as a dwelling house.
primary production and small scale visitor AO1.2 AO1.2
accommodation, on large allotments with varying The dwelling house may include one secondary N/A
The development is for a shed and will not involve a
levels of services. dwelling with a maximum gross floor area of 65m2 and
secondary dwelling on the site.
no more than two bedrooms.
AO1.3
Any business operated on site including
accommodation is subordinate to the use of the
premises for a domestic residence.
PO2 AO2 N/A
Development does not result in the diminished With the exception of a Dwelling house, a distance of Not listed as an assessment benchmark under Table
productive capacity of rural activities on adjacent or not less than 100 metres is provided between any 5.5.14.
nearby properties. sensitive land use and land on an adjacent rural zone
property with over 4 hectares of land mapped as
Agricultural Land Conservation Area.
PO3 AO3 ✓
With the exception of one dwelling house or a Only the residents of a dwelling house or community The development is for a shed for use by residents
Print Date: 23/03/2026 Page 2
Page 3
Noosa Plan 2020: Amendment 3
Part 6 Zones \ 6.8 Other Zones Category \ 6.8.4 Rural Residential Zone Code
community residence, any accommodation is limited to residence reside on the property for any period greater of the dwelling house.
use by short-term guests. than three consecutive months.
PO4 AO4.1 N/A
Visitor accommodation: Buildings and structures do not occupy more than 5% Not listed as an assessment benchmark under Table
5.5.14.
(a) is at a scale and density that protects the of the site area, with no more than 500m2 of gross floor
environmental and lifestyle values of the land; area.
(b) complements the substantive role of the property AO4.2
to provide housing to permanent resident(s); and For visitor accommodation, site density does not
(c) does not detract from the rural residential exceed on accommodation building per hectare.
character and amenity of adjoining properties. AO4.3
For a retreat, lodge or guest house not consisting of
self-contained accommodation, a maximum of two
guest rooms are provided per hectare of site area.
AO4.4
Short-term accommodation of a dwelling house on site
is limited to the occasional use of the occupant's
permanent place of residence.
AO4.5
The resident operator of visitor accommodation
remains on site while guest are staying.
Built form
Building height and scale AO5.1 AO5.1 & AO5.2
PO5 Buildings and structures are no more than 8 metres in ✓
Buildings and other structures: building height from ground level, providing that they The proposed shed will not exceed a building height
(a) are low rise; may be up to 9 metres where the pitched roof but no of 8m. The shed is proposed to have a building
(b) do not present an appearance of bulk to adjacent other part of the building or structure exceeds 8 height of 6.35m.
properties, roads or other areas in the vicinity of metres.
the site; AO5.2 AO5.3
(c) have a low site impact to maximise the The exposed portion of the external elevation of the ✓
opportunity to retain natural site characteristics, building cannot exceed 8 metres in building height and Site cover of all buildings and structures will not
such as native vegetation and natural landforms; does not appear to exceed more than two storeys exceed 30% which equates to 4500m2 for this site
(d) respect the scale of surrounding vegetation; when viewed externally from any elevation. which has a lot area of 1.5ha.
(e) are no more than two storeys in height; and Editor's note—refer to figure AP3-13A
(f) do not visually exceed two storeys when viewed AO5.3 AO5.4
Site cover of all buildings and structures on the site ✓
externally from the building.
The development is for a shed which will have a floor
Print Date: 23/03/2026 Page 3
Page 4
Noosa Plan 2020: Amendment 3
Part 6 Zones \ 6.8 Other Zones Category \ 6.8.4 Rural Residential Zone Code
does not exceed 30%. area of 180m2.
Alternative provisions to the QDC
Editor's note—Site cover is calculated by reference only to AO5.5
that part of the site in the Rural Residential Zone ✓
AO5.4 The total gross floor area of all buildings on the site
Individual buildings or roofed structures do not cover does not exceed 500m2. Plans for the existing
more than 500m2 of the site. dwelling house have been provided for information
AO5.5 purposes to assist in demonstrating compliance with
The total gross floor area of all buildings on site does this outcome.
not exceed 500m2.
Boundary setback AO6 .1 Only AO6.2 & AO6.4 are listed as an assessment
PO6 Buildings used to house animals, temporary holding benchmark under Table 5.5.14.
Buildings and other structures are designed and sited yards, structures containing areas of animal waste or
to:- by-product disposal are not within 100 metres of: AO6.2
(a) provide a high level of amenity to users of the (a) the boundary of another property in the rural N/A
subject site and adjoining premises, including residential zone or any other residential zone; The proposed shed will not be used for the storage
provision of visual and acoustic privacy, access (b) an existing dwelling on an adjoining property; of chemicals or machinery, stockpiling of composting
to breezes and protection from noise, odour or (c) the boundary of adjoining properties in the or organic fertilisers, or which support artificial
artificial lighting; environmental management and conservation lighting or irrigation sprayers.
(b) provide adequate distance from adjoining land zone, unless such land is in private ownership; or
uses and avoid conflict with existing or future (d) a waterway or wetlands as shown on the AO6.4
rural uses and activities on adjoining properties; Biodiversity, Waterways and Wetlands Overlay Performance Solution
(c) allow for space and landscaping to be provided Maps in Schedule 2. The proposed shed will have a compliant front
between buildings; AO6.2 boundary setback of approximately 36m in lieu of the
(d) preserve existing vegetation that will help buffer Buildings or structures which are used for the storage prescribed 10m front boundary setback.
development; of chemicals or machinery, stockpiling of composting
(e) protect the natural character and avoid adverse or organic fertilisers, or which support artificial lighting The shed proposes a side boundary setback of 6m
impacts on ecologically important areas such as or irrigation sprayers, are not within 100 metres of: instead of the prescribed 10m for a lot with an area
national parks, waterways and wetlands. (a) the boundary of another property in the Rural that exceeds 1 hectare. A relaxation to the side
residential zone or any other residential zone; boundary setback is requested as the development
(b) a dwelling on an adjoining property; site has an area of 1.5ha.
(c) the boundary of adjoining properties in the
Environmental management and conservation The proposed location is the most practical with
zone, unless such land is in private ownership; or regards to site infrastructure and constraints.
(d) waterway or wetlands shown on the Biodiversity, The proposed location for the shed is able to be
Waterways and Wetlands Overlay Maps in easily accessed via the existing crossover and
Schedule 2. driveway and is located outside of the on-site
Print Date: 23/03/2026 Page 4
Page 5
Noosa Plan 2020: Amendment 3
Part 6 Zones \ 6.8 Other Zones Category \ 6.8.4 Rural Residential Zone Code
AO6.3 effluent disposal area which is to the west of the
proposed shed and will provide appropriate
Roadside stalls no larger than 9m2 may be located
separation. The development site has also been
adjacent to the front property boundary provided safe
subject to a historical subdivision approval in which
space for parking of vehicles is also within the property
site works were previously undertaken and the
boundary.
proposed shed is located in an area that has been
AO6.4
flattened and suitable for further development
Outside the circumstances of AO6.1, AO6.2 and
without requiring additional earthworks.
AO6.3 above, buildings and structures meet the
following minimum boundary setbacks:
Despite the requested relaxation to the side
(a) 15 metres from a property boundary adjoining
boundary setback, the proposed shed location will
land in the Environmental management and
still enable a high level of amenity to the adjoining lot
conservation zone, unless such land is in private
at 7 Robin Place. The shed has been designed to
ownership;
ensure no door or window openings to face the
(b) 40 metres from mean high water spring of a
adjoining lot and the dwelling house on the adjoining
waterway or as otherwise prescribed through the
lot is also situated uphill from the proposed shed and
Queensland Government Erosion Prone Area
has an elevation difference of approximately 2-3m.
Maps;
The proposed 6m setback will still enable access to
(c) 10 metres from the road frontage;
breezes for the development site and adjoining lots
(d) 10 metres from the side and rear boundaries or 6
and won’t impact on the operation or use of adjoining
metres where the lot area does not exceed 1
lots for residential purposes.
hectare, with the exception that if the height of
the building or structure exceeds 9 metres the
setback to the side and rear boundaries is equal
to twice its height in metres.
Alternative provision to the QDC
Safety and amenity
PO7 No acceptable outcome provided N/A
Development does not result in an adverse change to Not listed as an assessment benchmark under Table
the light, air quality, noise, accessibility or other 5.5.14.
conditions enjoyed by residents of associated,
adjoining or nearby premises.
Sports courts AO8.1 N/A
PO8 A 2 metre landscaped buffer separates any private The development is for a shed only.
Lighting and noise associated with outdoor tennis tennis court, half court or sports court from side
courts, half courts or sports courts do not have an property boundaries where adjoining land in a
Print Date: 23/03/2026 Page 5
Page 6
Noosa Plan 2020: Amendment 3
Part 6 Zones \ 6.8 Other Zones Category \ 6.8.4 Rural Residential Zone Code
adverse impact upon the amenity enjoyed by residential zone.
occupants of adjoining or nearby premises nor cause AO8.2
unreasonable disturbance to the local fauna. Courts are fenced to a height of—
(a) 3.6 metres for a full-sized court; or
(b) 2.4 metres for a half court.
AO8.3
Courts are not lit; or
AO8.4
For lit courts:
(a) lighting structures are not more than 8 metres in
height and set back at least 2 metres from any
property boundary;
(b) the court is located at least 60 metres from the
external wall of an existing or approved
residential dwelling on an adjacent or nearby lot
(as measured from the centre line of the court);
(c) the vertical illumination resulting from direct,
reflected or other incidental lighting emanating
from the site does not exceed 8 lux when
measured at any point 1.5 metres outside the
boundary and at any level from ground level
upward; and
(d) lighting is hooded or baffled to direct lighting
downward or is of a type that gives no upward
component of light when mounted horizontally.
PO9 No acceptable outcome provided N/A
Development: Not listed as an assessment benchmark under Table
(a) does not compromise the safety, capacity or 5.5.14.
operation of the road network; and
(b) does not result in significant impacts on residents
close to rural roads.
Scenic amenity
PO10 AO10 N/A
Development does not detract from the scenic amenity Development on land adjoining the major road The development does not adjoin a major road, Lake
of the hinterland as experienced from the major road network, Lake Macdonald or the Noosa River system Macdonald or the Noosa River system.
Print Date: 23/03/2026 Page 6
Page 7
Noosa Plan 2020: Amendment 3
Part 6 Zones \ 6.8 Other Zones Category \ 6.8.4 Rural Residential Zone Code
network or the waterways. minimises visual impacts on the scenic amenity of the
roadway or waterway by—
(a) sensitive siting and design of buildings,
structures, driveways and works;
(b) retaining existing vegetation;
(c) incorporating landscape treatments to visually
screen and soften development; and
(d) incorporating building materials and external
finishes that are compatible with the site’s visual
character and landscape setting.
Editor's note—refer to Figure AP3 - 3B
PO11 AO11.1 ✓
The landscape character and visual amenity quality of To protect scenic amenity and other landscape The development is not located on steep land.
hillslopes and ridgelines are retained and qualities:
development: (a) buildings or structures are not constructed on
(a) is visually responsive to the natural topography of land with a slope greater than 33%; and
the site, sitting within the landscape rather than (b) buildings or structures are only constructed on
dominating it; steep slopes if:
(b) retains natural vegetation that assists in (i) there are no other suitable building sites on
screening or visually softening development; the property; and
(c) steps down slopes or uses suspended floor (ii) construction utilises suspended floors or
construction, minimising cut or fill; and pole footings rather than slab on ground
(d) uses materials, finishes and colours that construction.
complement the natural setting and integrate with AO11.2
the landscape and skyline. On sloping sites or on ridgelines at the uppermost
edge of a hill slope:
(a) roof lines are generally parallel with contours of
the land;
(b) roofs do not exceed a pitch of 15 degrees;
(c) buildings do not protrude above the height of
prevailing vegetation; and
(d) undercroft areas exceeding 1.5 metres in height
are screened with landscaping or battens.
Editor's note—refer to Figure 6.9.1A and Figure 6.9.1B and
Figure AP3-3B.
AO11.3
On sloping sites:
Print Date: 23/03/2026 Page 7
Page 8
Noosa Plan 2020: Amendment 3
Part 6 Zones \ 6.8 Other Zones Category \ 6.8.4 Rural Residential Zone Code
(a) cut or fill is less than 1.5 metres in depth relative
to natural ground level; and
(b) slab on ground construction is avoided and split
level buildings with small floorplates are used as
an alternative. Post and beam construction or
suspended or pole construction techniques may
be appropriate.
AO11.4
On sloping sites or on ridgelines at the uppermost
edge of a hill slope, buildings:
(a) are constructed in lightweight materials such as
timber or board, stainless steel, glass and
corrugated iron;
(b) are finished with exterior colours of moderate to
darker shades of olive green, brown, green, blue,
charcoal or wood stains that blend with the colour
and hues of the surrounding vegetation and
landscape;
(c) avoid large expanses of solid colours or reflective
surfaces.
Print Date: 23/03/2026 Page 8