Planning and Development for Business

Starting or growing a business on the Sunshine Coast often involves questions about where you can operate, whether you need development approval, and which Council services can help you navigate the process. This page brings together practical, small‑business‑focused guidance to help you understand Development Services, access the right tools, and take confident next steps.

Whether you are opening a shop, wellness studio, café, office, or industrial workspace, the resources below are designed to help you get started.

How Development Services Supports Small Businesses

Council’s Development Services team works within the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme and supports businesses through:

Understanding what types of business uses are allowed in different zones
Confirming whether a development application (DA) is required
Providing early advice to reduce risks, delays and unexpected costs
Reviewing and assessing development applications where needed

Development Services focuses on planning and land use approvals. Other business requirements, such as liquor licensing, food licensing or commercial use of land permits, are managed by different areas of Council or external regulators. If you’re unsure where to start, the Local Business Support team can help guide you to the right area. Reach out to the team via businessdevelopment@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

Steps to Navigate Planning and Development

Follow these three steps to help determine where you can operate, whether approvals are needed and how to get the right advice early.

Step 1: Find the Right Location for Your Business

A common first question from new businesses is: Where can I legally operate my business?

The answer depends on the zoning of the specific property under the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme. Different zones allow different types of business activities, and some uses may require development approval.

Importantly, zoning alone does not always mean a property is approved for your specific business activity or for new services you may add in the future.

How to check property zoning and suitability

Before committing to a lease or purchase, it’s strongly recommended that you:

Identify a property you are interested in
Use Council’s free online tools to check zoning and past approvals

Key tools include:

Development.i – search current and past development applications, view existing approvals and see how similar businesses have been approved in the area
Site Report – provides free, high‑level planning and zoning information for a specific property
MyMaps / Interactive Mapping – view zoning and overlays that apply to the land

Tip for businesses such as wellness studios, saunas or gyms in industrial areas

These uses are considered a different ‘use’ under the planning scheme, even if they operate during business hours. Council typically recommends identifying a specific property first and checking how similar businesses have been approved nearby using Development.i before progressing.

Step 2: Understand Whether You Need Development Approval

Not every business requires a development application. Under Queensland planning law, development generally falls into three categories:

Accepted development – no approval required (if all requirements are met)
Code assessable development – approval required but no public notification
Impact assessable development – approval required and public notification applies

Whether your proposal needs approval depends on the type of business, the zoning, and the scale and intensity of the use.

Development approval may also be required for changes to how a premises is used, such as adding new services, increasing patron numbers, changes to operating hours, signage or parking demand.

Fast, free starting point: AI Development Assistant Tool

Council’s AI Development Assistant Tool is a quick and easy way to get preliminary guidance on what approvals might apply to your business idea.

The tool:

Is available 24/7
Asks simple questions about your property and proposal
Provides instant, tailored guidance
Helps you understand whether a DA may be required

The AI Development Assistant Tool provides early guidance only and is not a formal Council decision. For site‑specific or complex matters, further advice is recommended.

Step 3: Get Development Advice Early

If you are unsure, need confirmation or are planning a more complex business setup, Council offers Development Advice Services to help you understand requirements early and reduce risks.

These services are particularly useful before signing a commercial lease, when changes can still be made without cost or disruption.

Available options include:

Chatting with a Development Information Officer
Pre‑purchase meetings
Written planning advice
Pre‑lodgement meetings for more complex proposals

Seeking advice early can help you:

Avoid leasing unsuitable premises
Understand fees and timeframes
Prepare higher‑quality applications
Reduce delays and rework

Where an application is needed, you should also seek advice from a private town planner to help understand what approvals are required. Engaging a planner early can help clarify likely costs and timeframes before you commit to leasing or purchasing a property. You can find a suitable consultant by doing a simple online search for 'private town planner' or 'town planning consultant'.

The New Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme

Council is preparing a new planning scheme that will replace the current Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014. The new scheme will guide how the region grows and develops into the future, including where different types of business, industrial and mixed‑use activities can occur, and how development is assessed.

While many planning controls are expected to remain similar, the new scheme may include changes to zoning, local plan areas, design requirements and overlays in some locations. These changes could affect where businesses can operate, expansion opportunities, or the type of approvals required for certain activities.

If you are starting a new business, considering relocating, or planning future expansion, it’s important to stay informed about the new planning scheme as it progresses. Council will continue to provide updates and guidance as the scheme moves through the final stages of adoption. If you would like to stay up to date, you can also sign up to receive project updates about the new Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme.

Learn more about the proposed new planning scheme and what it could mean for you at:
New Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme Project | Sunshine Coast Council

Common Small Business Questions

Can I operate a mobile business?

Mobile businesses (for example, food vans, mobile services, events) are regulated through Local Laws, and Development Services.

Depending on your activity, you may need:

Approval to trade on private land
A mobile food business licence
A beauty or tattooing licence
A commercial use of community land permit

For these types of business activities, find more information on permits and licences or contact the Local Business Support team for more information via businessdevelopment@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

Do I need approval to run by business from home?

Some home‑based businesses may be accepted development and not require approval if they meet specific criteria under the planning scheme. Higher‑impact home businesses or those outside residential zones may require assessment.

If you’re unsure, contact Development Services on 07 5475 7272 and have your property address ready so we can help you check what applies or find more information on the 'Home based business information sheet'.

Useful Tools & Resources

AI Development Assistant Tool – early guidance on approvals
Development.i – search applications and approvals
Development Advice Services – tailored planning advice
Building & Development Fact Sheets – guidance on common topics

Need Help?

If you’re starting or growing a business and unsure where to begin:

Start with the AI Development Assistant Tool
Explore similar businesses using Development.i
Consider using our Development Advice Services for clarity before committing to a site

This page provides general information only. Planning requirements vary by site and proposal. Always confirm requirements with Council before making commercial decisions.

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