Home-based childcare
Understand the process for using your property as a home-based childcare business. Read the Home-based business code.
What is a home-based childcare business?
Home-based childcare is the care of a small group of children within a private dwelling.
Home-based childcare doesn’t include care:
- in the child’s own home
- by relatives.
What you need to know
Before you set up a home-based childcare business on your property, you need to:
- find key facts about your property
- understand the relevant codes
- know the preferred locations
- be aware of relevant legislation.
Find key property facts
Use the mapping tool in City Plan online to find key facts about your property. This includes:
- zoning
- neighbourhood plans
- overlays.
Understand the code
The Home-based business code in City Plan applies to home-based childcare businesses.
The code outlines performance outcomes to ensure the operation of a home-based business doesn't compromise neighbouring residents.
Know the preferred locations
City Plan encourages home-based childcare businesses to locate in the following zones:
Read the legislation
In addition to the requirements of City Plan, home-based childcare must comply with relevant Queensland Government and other relevant legislation.
What you need to do
Follow this process to get the relevant approvals before setting up a home-based childcare business.
You may need one or more of the following approvals for your home-based childcare:
- planning approval
- building approval.
Planning approval
Your home-based childcare may not need planning approval if it meets all the requirements for accepted development.
Use our home-based business self-assessable checklist to see if your proposal meets these requirements.
If your proposal does not meet all the requirements, or you have a general planning question, phone Council's Business Hotline on 133 BNE (133 263).
Where planning approval is required, you will need to lodge a development application.
Building approval
You may need to seek advice if you’re planning to undertake building works. Get advice from a licensed private building certifier or building consultant for:
- building work for a new or existing bed and breakfast
- any building approval that is required.
Once you’ve determined the property details and relevant approvals, you can prepare your development application (if required).
You can submit your development application:
- online
- in person
- by mail.
In some cases, you may be able to fast track your application.
We will review and assess your development application.
We may ask you to supply more information during the assessment process.
During this time, you can check your application status.
Other things to consider
Centre-based childcare
Under City Plan, childcare centres and home-based childcare businesses are subject to different requirements. There are different considerations when applying to operate a childcare centre outside of the home.
Multiple home businesses
City Plan doesn’t limit the number of home-based businesses you can operate from a dwelling. However, you need to make sure you comply with the requirements in the Home-based business code.
Business changes
If the nature of your business changes over time, you may need to reconfirm whether you require planning approval.
Other advice
You may need to get advice from Council about your home-based childcare business if:
- it requires planning approval
- the premises are located within a neighbourhood plan or overlay area.
Phone our Business Hotline on 133 BNE (133 263).
Other information
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