AI development assistant tool
Whether you're building a townhouse, renovating your home, or adding a shed—our AI development assistant tool is here to help you figure out what development application you might require.
The development assistant tool makes it easier for you to ask questions and get preliminary advice on your development proposal. Our service can help you make an informed decisions for your early planning enquiries.
Powered by AI, it’s quick, easy, and available 24/7.
How it works
- Launch the AI development assistant tool
- Sign up to get started.
- Enter your property address and answer a few simple questions about your proposal.
- Get instant insights on whether a development application might be required.
Sunshine Coast Council acknowledges the Australian Government’s contribution to the development assistant tool through the Housing Support Program (HSP-1), focused on improving planning capability.
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Is the result a Council decision?
No. The advice you receive is not an official determination by Sunshine Coast Council. It’s a helpful starting point, but you’ll still need to confirm requirements through formal channels like written planning advice, a pre-lodgement meeting, or lodging a development application.
What the development assistant tool doesn’t cover?
Some types of development or site-specific considerations may not be included in the tool. For example:
- Plans of Developments (PODs)
- Existing permits
- Vegetation clearing
- Priority Development Areas (PDAs such as Caloundra South Priority Development Area (Aura) or Maroochydore City Centre Priority Development Area)
- Sites within Kawana DCP1 Area
- Sites governed by Variation Approvals
- Sites within the Town of Seaside (MNS LPP – 2 (TOWN OF SEASIDE)
- Flooding information (See Flood mapping and information)
- Stormwater pipe locations
For these, we recommend speaking directly with our Development Advice Services team.
Do you want to learn more?
Check out how the development assistant tool works by browsing our Frequently Asked Questions to get the clarity you need before starting your project.
Frequently asked questions
What if I don't know or haven't decided on a detail of my project?
What if I don't know or haven't decided on a detail of my project?
That's okay. The service can provide guidance based on the information you have. If there are details you're unsure about, you can explore different options with the service to understand the development process implications.
I'm a professional in the building sector. Is the AI development assistant tool suitable for me?
I'm a professional in the building sector. Is the AI development assistant tool suitable for me?
Yes. The service can be used by building professionals to check development requirements quickly.
Will I get a definitive answer from the AI development assistant tool?
Will I get a definitive answer from the AI development assistant tool?
The analysis is a guide, not an official Council decision.
The information provided by the AI development assistant tool offers guidance based on your information and its interpretation of the planning scheme and legislative requirements. There are several variables that the analysis doesn't consider.
Therefore, the service's advice should be reviewed by a Council or private planning consultant for final advice before proceeding, even if the case doesn't seem complex.
How accurate and reliable is the advice?
How accurate and reliable is the advice?
The service’s advice carefully analyses the planning legislation relevant to your site and proposal. It cites the specific rules and clauses that it interprets. However, as it cannot yet access specific property-specific data, its advice should be taken as guidance rather than a definitive answer.
Can I talk to a human about the planning report?
Can I talk to a human about the planning report?
Yes. We recommend contacting our Development Advice Services team for assistance. They can help you understand planning requirements, provide guidance on your application, and answer questions you may have.
To explore the available support options, please visit our Development Advice Services webpage.
What data does the AI development assistant tool collect and how is it used?
What data does the AI development assistant tool collect and how is it used?
The service collects the information provided about your project to provide guidance on development requirements. The email provided when you sign up is used to send you a copy of your results. No personal data is used for any other purpose. For more information regarding how Council manages personal information please access the privacy website link https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/privacy
Where is my data stored and is it secure?
Where is my data stored and is it secure?
Host servers located in Australia securely store all data. We adhere to strict data protection regulations and employ robust security measures to safeguard your information.
Who built this service?
Who built this service?
MyLot, an Australian technology company focused on AI for the planning and building sector, delivers this service. Learn more at mylot.ai.
Does this service use AI?
Does this service use AI?
Yes – the development assistant tool uses AI to help guide you through the process.
It asks smart questions based on your proposal and your responses to create a report to help you understand development requirements. The AI is trained using publicly available documents—like the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme—but it’s not open-source and doesn’t learn from your personal data. Your email and property address are kept private.
They’re not shared with the AI and are never used to train it.