You can build a secondary dwelling, commonly known as a granny flat, on your already developed property in New South Wales (NSW), provided you meet specific planning and development requirements.
Secondary dwellings are self-contained units located on the same lot as the principal residence and can be attached, detached or within the existing dwelling.
Key Requirements for Building a Secondary Dwelling in NSW:
- Zoning Compliance: Your property must be situated in a zone that permits secondary dwellings. In NSW, secondary dwellings are generally allowed in residential zones (R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5). It’s essential to verify your property’s zoning through your local council or the NSW Planning Portal.
- Minimum Lot Size: While the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 does not specify a minimum lot size for secondary dwellings, local councils may have their own requirements. For instance, some councils require a minimum lot size of 450 square metres. It’s crucial to consult your local council’s Development Control Plan (DCP) for specific standards.
- Maximum Floor Area: The secondary dwelling’s internal floor area must not exceed 60 square metres. This limit ensures the dwelling remains subordinate to the principal residence.
- Setback and Site Coverage: The secondary dwelling must comply with setback requirements, which dictate the distance from property boundaries. Additionally, site coverage controls may limit the proportion of the lot that can be built upon. These standards vary by council and are outlined in the local DCP.
- Parking Requirements: Generally, additional parking is not mandated for secondary dwellings. However, it’s advisable to confirm this with your local council, as requirements can differ.
- Building Code Compliance: The secondary dwelling must adhere to the Building Code of Australia (BCA), ensuring it meets safety, health and amenity standards.
Approval Pathways:
- Complying Development Certificate (CDC): If your proposal meets specific criteria, it may qualify as complying development, allowing for a faster approval process through a private certifier. This pathway is subject to strict standards regarding design, setbacks and site conditions.
- Development Application (DA): If your proposal doesn’t meet the criteria for a CDC, you’ll need to submit a DA to your local council. This process involves a more comprehensive assessment and may take longer to obtain approval.
Considerations for Developed Properties:
For properties with existing structures, it’s important to ensure that adding a secondary dwelling won’t result in overdevelopment of the site.
Factors such as open space, landscaping, and the overall character of the neighbourhood are considered during the assessment process.
Engaging with a professional town planner and architect can help navigate these considerations and facilitate a smoother approval process.
Building a secondary dwelling on an already developed property in NSW is feasible, provided you comply with zoning, size and design requirements.
At ApproveAll we are very experienced in designing secondary dwellings and achieving approval in councils all across NSW.
Contact us at projects@approveall.com.au or give us a call on (02) 8000 9150
