Understanding Granny Flat Site Requirements in NSW

Council Approval Is Often Not Required

tYPICAL RESIDENTIAL BLOCK

tYPICAL RESIDENTIAL CORNER BLOCK

• What Exactly Is a Granny Flat?

  In planning terms, a granny flat is a self-contained secondary dwelling with no more than 60 m² of internal living area. It is constructed on a lot that already contains (or is approved to contain) a primary residence. Although council sign-off may not be needed, every granny flat must still receive formal approval from a private certifier before construction can begin.

• What Happens If My Block Doesn’t Meet CDC Criteria?

  If one or more complying development conditions cannot be satisfied, a Development Application (DA) lodged with your local council is the fallback pathway. This process takes longer, but it also allows greater flexibility — councils can exercise discretion on setbacks, coverage and other controls in ways that a private certifier cannot. Our design consultants manage the entire DA process on your behalf, from preparation through to determination.

Common Questions About Site Requirements

• Is a granny flat the same thing as a tiny house?

  No. A granny flat is a permanent secondary dwelling — either standalone or attached to the main home — with a maximum of 60 m² of internal space. A tiny house is a transportable structure capped at 50 m².

• Can I build a granny flat on vacant land with no existing house?

  No. A secondary dwelling can only be approved where a primary residence already exists on the title (or has its own active approval). The one exception: if you are demolishing and rebuilding the main house, you may be permitted to construct a granny flat as temporary accommodation during that period.

• Is a two-storey granny flat allowed?

  Yes, provided the design satisfies the relevant setback distances and maximum height limits. As building height increases, wider setbacks are typically required.

• What is an occupation certificate?

  Once construction is finished, an occupation certificate must be issued before anyone can legally move in. It’s the final step in the approval chain, and we can coordinate its issue for you.

• My land is mapped as bushfire-prone — can I still build?

  Potentially, but stricter construction standards may apply depending on the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating assigned to your site. In some cases a CDC pathway won’t be available and a DA will be needed instead. We can walk you through the specific implications for your property.