City officials have identified Kalinga and Clayfield as two of 18 Brisbane suburbs under review for potential changes to zoning rules, which could increase building heights and reduce minimum lot sizes to address housing supply challenges.
Background and Context
BCC is conducting a broad review of low-to-medium density residential (LMR) zones across the city, a designation that covers 14 per cent of its area. Kalinga and Clayfield are among the suburbs currently zoned for two-to-three storey buildings, with a minimum lot size of 400 square metres. These planning standards have remained unchanged despite sustained population growth and rising housing costs.
According to city official Adrian Schrinner, approvals for new dwellings in LMR zones dropped to 445 two years ago, well below the previous ten-year average of over 1,100 per year. The decline has occurred despite increasing housing demand across the city.
Review Focus and Objectives
The proposed review includes increasing permitted building heights to five storeys in selected LMR suburbs such as Kalinga and Clayfield and reducing the minimum lot size to 300 square metres. Other changes being considered include easing car parking requirements and removing regulatory barriers. The goal is to enable the construction of up to 6,000 new homes in LMR areas by 2030.
Sites located near public transport, shops, schools, and major roads will be prioritised for higher density to maximise access to existing infrastructure. Brisbane’s strategy aligns with the South East Queensland Regional Plan target, which requires around 60 per cent of new housing to come from infill development.
Industry and Community Perspectives
Planning consultants, including those from the Therefor Group, have suggested that character-protected suburbs like Paddington are unlikely to be impacted. In contrast, areas like Kalinga and Clayfield, which fall under current LMR zoning, may experience moderate redevelopment that includes terrace homes or dual occupancy dwellings.
The Property Council of Australia has endorsed the review, stating that the LMR zoning framework is underperforming in terms of supply. Master Builders Queensland also supported the announcement but noted that the construction industry continues to face shortages in skilled labour, which could constrain the pace of delivery.
Community sentiment has included calls for more inclusive engagement, with suggestions that changes should be led by residents and not solely developers. Council has confirmed that public consultation will form part of the process before final decisions are made.
Next Steps
Consultation on the proposed changes is expected to begin soon, with the council aiming to implement revisions within the year. The zoning review is part of a wider strategy to expand housing options and maintain the city’s liveability as Brisbane’s population continues to grow.
Published 28-May-2025
