FAQ

Most probably not.  In general zoning changes are few and are mostly either applying an open space zone to land purchased through the conservation levy, or dedicated as park or changing the zone of Council or State land to reflect the established use. 

There are very few instances where the zone of private properties will be changed and these are almost exclusively in the newer residential estates of Elysium Noosa, Noosa Springs, Doonella Noosa, Beckmans Green or Noosa Northrise where development plans may not have been finalised when The Noosa Plan came into effect. In these instances it is proposed to match the zoning to the property boundaries so that house blocks are in a housing zone and open space is in an open space zone. 

The various overlay maps show real or potential development constraints including areas of biodiversity values, heritage values, natural resources and natural hazards.  Many of these maps are changing and it may be that for the first time your property is affected by an overlay that adds a level of assessment necessary on development applications.   

For the most part the changes will make it easier to start and operate small businesses.  For example more home-based businesses will become self-assessable (no Council application needed).  The exception to that being in attached housing like units where businesses attracting clients or customers have greater potential to impact on neighbours.

In the hinterland there will be considerably more scope for agri-businesses and compatible or complementary home-based businesses before having to come to Council for approval.

Amendments are also proposed to the advertising devices code to ensure signage does not dominate our streetscape but that rules are fair for all, particularly on properties that accommodate multiple businesses. 

Along the Noosa River, new provisions have been added for the commercial use of jetties and lease areas to provide for appropriate marine facility uses while protecting amenity and pedestrian safety. 

Across the Shire, both in town and in the rural area, a small secondary dwelling will be allowed as-of-right as part of a dwelling house as long as they meet the code provisions.  The secondary dwelling is still limited in size to 45 square metres  or 65 square metres if it is wheelchair accessible and can only have one bedroom.

Small units for permanent residents have been made consistent at the Shire Business Centre, Precincts E1 or E7, (to the southeast of the Noosa Civic shopping centre) where ancillary to community or business uses.   

In a word - maybe.

Many of the overlay maps are changing either at the request of the State or due to improved mapping and modelling of constraints.  It may be that a property previously unaffected by overlay constraints is now within a flood hazard area or within a bushfire hazard area or within the catchment of the drinking water supply.  For the most part Council has tried to write to property owners newly affected by such constraints but it is a good idea to check because it may affect the location or design of your house.

It is proposed to increase the minimum rear boundary setback for houses in an effort to protect the amenity of neighbours. While houses can be as close as 1.5 metres from the boundary now, depending on the size and dimensions of the lot, houses will be setback at least 3 metres with upper storeys setback further. 

The requirement for an energy efficient hot water system has been deleted.

Amendments are proposed to ensure consistency with the Detached House Code in relation to works near the Noosa Waters revetment wall.   

Proposed amendments will be on display until Friday 2 October.  After the consultation period ends Council will consider all submissions and make appropriate changes to the proposed amendments as a result of submissions.  Council then needs to forward the amendments back to the Minister for Local Government & Planning to confirm they meet State Interests.  It may therefore be the end of the year or even the new year when the amendments are adopted.