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        Site Requirements

        To save you time and stress, our expert approvals teams will prepare and submit all the applications and documents required to the Private Certifier and obtain approval for your new Granny Flat.

         

        A Granny Flat Doesn’t Require Council Approval

        In 2009, the NSW government released the Affordable Housing State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP), which permits all residential homeowners with property larger than 450m² (which also has a minimum 12m street frontage) to build a Granny Flat on their property if their property is considered to be complying.

        With this change comes a new way of processing Granny Flat applications. Homeowners wanting to build a Granny Flat in their backyard are no longer required to obtain council approval as long as their application meets the minimum complying development requirements that have been set out.

        What is a Granny Flat?

        A Granny Flat is a self-contained secondary dwelling with a maximum living space of 60m², built in the backyard of an already existing house. While they don’t require council approval if your property meets the minimum site requirements (such as block size), a Granny Flat must adhere to other specific requirements as they need approval from a private certifier. What if

        My Property Doesn’t Meet the Minimum Requirements?

        If your property does not meet all the conditions required to be a complying development, your Granny Flat can still be approved by lodging a development application (DA), which can only be approved by your local council. Once again, our design consultant can take care of this whole process for you and submit all the applications and documents on your behalf.

        Frequently Asked Questions

        Is a Granny Flat the same as a tiny house?

        A Granny Flat is a permanent secondary dwelling that can be a standalone building or attached to your main house. It is permitted to have a maximum living space of 60m². A tiny house is a movable dwelling with a maximum living space of 50m².

        Can I build a Granny Flat where there is no primary dwelling?

        Granny Flats can only be secondary dwellings. Building a Granny Flat is not permitted on blocks of land without a primary dwelling. However, if you are rebuilding your home, you are permitted to build a Granny Flat to live in while your main house is under construction.

        Can my Granny Flat be two storeys?

        As long as it meets Granny Flat setback requirements and height restrictions, your second dwelling can be two storeys.

        What is an occupation certificate and how do I get one?

        After building a Granny Flat, you’ll need an occupation certificate before anyone can legally live in the home. It is the final certificate in the approval process, and Granny Flat Solutions can help you obtain this.

        What if I’m on bushfire-prone land?

        You may not be able to do a complying development if your home is on bushfire-prone land, as you may need to meet stricter requirements. However, we can talk you through Bushfire Attack Level ratings and the approvals or modifications you may require.

        typical residential corner block
        Lot
        SizeSquare metres
        Minimum
        Frontage Lineal metres
        Site
        Coverage %
        Total Floor Area
        including HouseSquare metres
        Side
        SetbackLineal metres
        Rear
        SetbackLineal metres
        Landscaped
        Area%
        450-600m2 12m 50% 330m2 0.9m 3m 20%
        600-900m2 12m 50% 380m2 0.9m 3m 25%
        900-1500m2 15m 40% 430m2 1.5m 5m 35%
        >1500m2 18m 30% 430m2 2.5m 10m 45%
        Additional Granny Flat Requirements
        • A maximum of 1 Granny Flat is permissible per lot.
        • The maximum floor area permissible for a granny flat is 60m².
        • Must have a 24m² courtyard space for the granny flat, with an area of at least 4m wide.
        • Conditions may apply if building in a bushfire, flood-affected or heritage area.
        • For battle-axe blocks, an access handle of at least 3m wide is required.
        • Off-street car parking for the Granny Flat is not essential.

        Please Note

        This summary has been prepared as an indicative tool to help explain the site planning requirements for a Granny Flat. There are other site conditions and requirements that will affect Granny Flat approval. A free site assessment is required to determine the appropriateness of a Granny Flat on your property.

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        Property doesn't meet these requirements?

        Fear not! These requirements are for obtaining approval through a Complying Development
        Certificate (private certifier). If your property doesn't comply, it may still be possible to have it
        approved through a Development Application (local council).

        Read more about Development Applications →
        Brick granny flat with patio

        Build with the Best

        Granny Flat Solutions is the ONLY multi-award winning granny flat company, with over 15 awards under our belt.

        “Experience the difference for yourself.”

        Call now to book your obligation free site inspection and quote with our friendly staff.

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