Granny Flat Approval - A Guide

Read our ASSESMENT GUIDE LOGIC MAP

State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009

Disclosure:

Please note this is intended as a GUIDE ONLY and in no way overrides the legislation. Please feel free to give us a call if we can help with the planning of your granny flat project or for advice on property purchases for Granny Flats.

Site Requirements:

Size: Minimum 450 sq m Lot size
Width: Minimum 12 m wide frontage
* Battle-Axe Allotments: Access laneway must be at least 3 metres wide and property to be at least 12 metres by 12 metres, excluding the access laneway.

Setbacks:

Generally,
Rear Setback: Minimum 3 m from rear boundary,
Nearest Side Setback: Minimum 0.9 m from the nearest side boundary
Front setback: The average distance of the setbacks of the nearest 2 dwelling houses.
Distance between Dwellings: Minimum 1.80 m from the Main Dwelling (to meet the Building Code of Australia Part 3.7.1- Fire Separation').

Heights:

3.8 m as measured from the lowest natural ground level to the top of the roof.
Any height above this (up to 4.8 m) must be added to the rear and side setbacks at a rate of 3x for rear and 0.25x for the side setback.

Landscaping:

20-25% minimum total turf or gardens, depending on property size.
50% of the landscaped area must be behind the main dwelling, calculated AFTER Approval. e.g. 500 sq m block must have minimum 50 sq m of landscaped area in the rear yard after the granny flat is built.

EXCAVTION: Maximum 1 metre
FILL: Maximum 1 metre

Drainage:

All stormwater from the new granny flat must be conveyed to either:
(a) a public drainage system, or
(b) an inter-allotment drainage system, or
(c) an on-site disposal system.

Tips for Investor:

When searching for a 'granny-flat friendly' property, the following should help as a guide.

1. Look through the Contract, specifically the following:

(a) The Section 149 Certificate, which lists whether or not the property qualifies under the New SEPP for Complying Development. If the property is in a Flood Zone, Bush-Fire Zone or Heritage Area, additional material needs to be submitted to your Local Council. Call us for further advice on this.

(b) The Sydney Water Board's Sewer Location Print. This is black and white sketch of the block which shows approximately where the 'Board's Sewer' is located. If it's in close proximity to the rear boundary, that's usually ok, since the Rear Setback required for granny flats is a minimum of 3 m from rear boundaries.

If the Sewer is in the middle of the rear yard, this may be an expense that should be investigated. Feel free to give us a call and we'll check it for you.

(c) The 'Deposit Plan'. This is a sketch which shows the property, usually in relation to other properties around it, the boundary dimensions and block size, drainage easements (if any).

2. Drainage

If the property slopes (falls) to the rear, this can be a potential problem. Drainage can be difficult in these cases unless an existing Drainage Easement exists on the property. Check the DP (refer note 'c' above) for a dotted line, usually near the rear boundary. If a drainage easement exists, we can connect to this. Again, feel free to give us a call and we can check it for you.

3. Significant Trees

The granny flat must not be built witting 3 m of a significant tree (higher than 5 m). This includes trees in neighbouring properties. If tree-removal is needed, we may need to seek separate approval from the Local Council and get quotes for tree removal.

4. Parking and Access

Whilst the SEPP doesn't require any additional parking for new granny flats, it may be helpful to consider your tenant's needs for parking. Corner blocks usually provide excellent access to two separate dwellings. Other properties usually have adequate parking at the front setback area.

There are other requirements for granny flats which relate to design, aspect, energy efficiency and access. We will work with you to achieve these requisites for your specific property with minimal expense and minimal fuss.