Section 30(4) compensation exclusions: Many planning changes that reduce land value do not attract compensation. Changes made to reduce risk from bushfires, coastal erosion, flooding or landslides are excluded (section 30(4)(e)), as are changes about relationships between buildings and lots if yield is not substantially different (section 30(4)(f)). The yield test for residential buildings (section 30(6)) sets a 15% reduction threshold for gross floor area up to 2,000m², but for larger buildings any reduction may be 'substantially different'.
Section 43(5) limits on local categorising instruments: Local governments may only state development is prohibited if a regulation allows it. This is a critical constraint; a planning scheme that prohibits a use without regulation cover is of no effect.
Section 66 prohibited conditions: Development conditions must not require a monetary payment for infrastructure outside the statutory framework (section 66(1)(c)), must not require an access restriction strip, and must not limit the currency period for infrastructure network uses. Conditions inconsistent with earlier approvals are prohibited unless the same person imposes both and the applicant and owner agree (section 66(2)).
Section 73A private certifier limitations: A private certifier's development permit for building work does not authorise impact-assessable parts of building work unless a relevant preliminary approval is in effect. This trap catches applicants who assume a single permit suffices.
Section 85 currency periods: Default currency periods are short: 6 years for material change of use, 4 years for reconfiguring a lot, and 2 years for other development. Failing to act within these periods causes the development approval to lapse. Extension applications must be made before lapse (section 86).
Section 120 levied charges: Infrastructure charges may be levied only for extra demand generated by the approved development. However, demand from existing lawful uses or earlier approvals may be included where those uses have not been carried out or infrastructure requirements were not complied with. The recent 2025 amendment rewrote section 120 to clarify these rules, but the interaction with previous uses remains complex.
Section 166 emergency exemptions: The exemption from development offences for emergency works is conditional on strict requirements: a safety management plan for tidal works, advice from a registered professional engineer for heritage places, and prompt notification. If the person does not make a development application as soon as reasonably practicable, the exemption ceases and restoration may be required (section 166(7)).
Section 231 non-appealable decisions: Many decisions under the Act are final and conclusive and may only be challenged for jurisdictional error in the Supreme Court. This includes decisions of the Minister under part 6 (directions and call-ins) unless schedule 1 provides an appeal right.
Section 275ZI restriction on heritage impact assessment: Where the assessment manager is not the chief executive, impact assessment must not consider the effect on the cultural heritage significance of a Queensland heritage place. This prevents local governments and private certifiers from imposing heritage conditions, which are reserved to the chief executive and the Queensland Heritage Council.