Do You Need Council Approval for a Pizza Oven?
- Brisbane Pizza Ovens
- Sep 1, 2025
- 2 min read
Wood-fired pizza ovens are becoming a must have feature in Australian backyards. They add value to your home, create a focal point for entertaining, and of course, deliver authentic flavour that standard ovens just can’t match. But before you start building, many clients ask: Do I need council approval for a pizza oven?
The short answer is: it depends. Different councils across Australia have different rules when it comes to outdoor structures, and a pizza oven can sometimes fall under these regulations.
Why Council Approval Matters
Council regulations exist to make sure outdoor structures are safe, compliant, and don’t impact your neighbours. For pizza ovens, the main considerations usually include:
Setbacks: how close the oven is to property boundaries, fences, or neighbouring homes.
Size and height: smaller, mobile ovens are usually exempt, but large, permanent structures may require approval.
Smoke and emissions: some councils have rules to ensure wood smoke doesn’t create issues for neighbouring properties.
Different Councils, Different Rules
What’s true in Brisbane City Council may not apply in Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, or regional councils. For example:
In some areas, a small oven may not need approval at all.
In others, if your oven is integrated into a custom outdoor kitchen or built close to a boundary, approval could be required.
Because of this variation, it’s always best to check directly with your local council before starting your build.
Our Recommendation
At Brisbane Pizza Ovens, we always encourage our clients to:
Check setback requirements with your council before building.
Consider the type of oven, mobile ovens usually don’t need approval, while large brick ovens may.
Get it in writing if your council advises that approval isn’t needed.
This way, you can avoid unexpected delays or costs down the track.
The Easy Alternative: Mobile Ovens
If you want to avoid council red tape altogether, our ready to fire mobile ovens are a fantastic solution. Built on a steel frame, finished with cladding and tiles, and fully cured, they don’t require permanent construction. That means no approval headaches and a faster way to get cooking.
Final Word
So, do you need council approval for a pizza oven? The answer depends on your location, the oven type, and how you plan to build it. But one thing is certain: it’s always worth checking with your local council first.
At Brisbane Pizza Ovens, we can guide you through the options, whether that’s a fully custom brick build or a mobile oven ready for summer entertaining.
📍 Visit our Geebung showroom to see our ovens in person.
📩 Contact us today to start planning your project.
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