Additional dwelling Builders – South Coast

NSW COUNCIL APPROVAL NOT REQUIRED TO CONSTRUCT A GRANNY FLAT ON YOUR PROPERTY!

That’s right—South Coast homeowners do not need council approval to build a granny flat, provided their property meets the necessary criteria. In 2009, the NSW Government introduced the Affordable Housing State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP). This policy permits all residential property owners (and investors) with a lot larger than 450m² (and a minimum 12m street frontage) to construct a granny flat on their property. This is fantastic news for astute investors, homeowners, and retirees, as it means you can have a two-bedroom granny flat built in your backyard without requiring council approval (and avoiding any unwarranted objections from neighbours). The process can be completed in just 4 weeks.

MINIMUM SITE CRITERIA FOR A GRANNY FLAT

A granny flat is a self-contained, small home of 60m² situated in the backyard of an existing house. Below are the primary requirements for granny flats:

The property must be at least 450m² in size
The property must be zoned residential
The property must have a minimum 12-meter width at the building line of the existing dwelling. If your property does not meet this requirement, you may apply for an attached granny flat.
Maintain a 3m setback from the rear and a 0.9m setback from the side boundaries.
Maintain a 3m distance from any existing trees taller than 4m.
Maximum external area for the granny flat is 60m².
Only one granny flat is allowed per eligible lot.

If your property does not meet the above NSW criteria for CDC Approval, our team can evaluate your property to determine if Development Assessment through your local Council is possible for your project. Contact us today to discuss the DA Approval process.
The diagram below illustrates the council requirements for properties between 450m² and 900m² in size.

These site requirement rules for granny flats are up-to-date in NSW as of today. For properties larger than 900m², regulations change. Refer to the table below for NSW council requirements for lot sizes between 900m² and 1,500m², and for sizes greater than 1,500m². Alternatively, download our NSW granny flat fact sheet for more information.

GRANNY FLAT SETBACK REQUIREMENTS FOR ANY LOT SIZE

Lot Size (m²)

Minimum Frontage (linear meters)

Min Side Setback Height ≤3.8m

Min Rear Setback Height ≤3.8m

450-900

12m

0.9m

3m

900-1,500

15m

1.5m

5m

1,500+

18m

2.5m

10m

RESIDENTIAL ZONING

As previously mentioned, your property must be zoned residential to be eligible for a granny flat. Specifically, residential zones R1, R2, R3, R4, and RU5 are approved for complying developments:

Zone R1 General Residential
Zone R2 Low Density Residential
Zone R3 Medium Density Residential
Zone R4 High Density Residential
Zone R5 Large Lot Residential (via DA only
Or equivalent zones for the local council area.

CHECKING YOUR LAND SIZE AND PROPERTY ZONING

You can check planning information about your property by visiting the NSW Planning Portal’s Spatial Viewer website. This mapping service provides detailed maps for every address and lot in NSW.

Can I build a double storey granny flat?

Yes, according to the Affordable Rental Housing SEPP, you can build a granny flat on top of your existing property, above a garage, or as a standalone two-storey structure. Note that the total height of your property must not exceed 8.5m, and your granny flat design must adhere to the front and rear setback requirements of NSW legislation. Contact Southridge to find out if you can build a two-storey granny flat.

Can I modify my home to include a granny flat?

Yes, it is possible to convert part of your existing house into a granny flat. This configuration must comply with specific NSW granny flat legislation. Contact Southridge to determine if you can undertake this modification.
This article serves as a general guide to understanding current NSW requirements for building a secondary dwelling on your property. Additional factors should be considered, and a site inspection will be necessary to assess the suitability of building a granny flat. Contact Southridge to schedule a free site inspection.

Collaborating with Southridge provides you with

Custom design tailored to your requirements
Connection with industry experts and recognized suppliers
Fixed price contracts to avoid unexpected costs during construction
Online client portal for project tracking
Expert support and project management
Dedicated process oversight to ensure timely delivery of your new home or extension
Post-construction support throughout the warranty period