Aug 23, 20222 min read

The importance of property searches

Updated: Jun 4

As a certification company, one of the first steps in assessing the building design is to identify the characteristics of a property. This can affect the building and design requirements (such as building height, setback, height above ground).

Carrying out searches at the start of the building process ensures BA&A can support all stakeholders to ensure the building design complies with local, State and National legislation.

What property information does a certifier look for?

Zoning

The zoning of a property defines what type of development is permitted for a specific property or area.

Overlays

Overlays are stipulated by Council and show the location and the extent of special features to a parcel of land.

The purpose of overlays is to identify areas that:

- Are sensitive to the effects of development

- Constrain land or development

- Are subject to valuable resources

- Present opportunities for development

Extract from Brisbane City Council website

There are different types of overlays: flooding, bushfire, traditional building character...

In their blog article “New Guidelines for Brisbane Character Homes”, Designer Planning explains why and how the traditional building character overlay can affect the development of a property

Easements

According to Urban Utilities, “an easement is a right attached to land, which gives another party the right to use the land for a specific purpose even though they are not the land owner”. The main purpose of an easement is to allow Council to protect access, operate and maintain water and sewerage infrastructure that is in private land.

When your site contains an easement, its location may impact access or restrict options for new work. Building work is generally not able to encroach, but in some cases, written approval may be granted by the easement authority. This may require additional applications (eg Build over Asset - B.O.A)