Garage Conversions into a Granny Flats: 10 Day Approvals now Allowed!
Garage conversions into a Granny Flat or habitable living space has now being made much easier due to recent interpretive changes to the SEPP for granny flat approval in Sydney and greater NSW. Please see HERE for our Easy Design and Conversion Process and Pricing page.
Previously, the setback requirements excluded existing outbuildings from gaining granny flat approval. The reason is that the setbacks had the minimum requirement of:
A. 3 metres from the rear boundary and
B. 0.9 metres from the side boundaries.
Relaxed Setback Rules
It has now been revealed that lesser setbacks will allow granny flat conversions as fast, 10-day approval through the ‘Affordable Rental Housing SEPP”. This means if you want to convert an existing shed or garage into a granny flat, you can now get easy, fast 10-day approval through the Department of Plannings provisions. Below, we outline the process and the specific requirements for granny flat conversions.
The approval process for granny flat approval is a little different for conversions as follows:
1. Same as for newly built granny flats, we will need to carry out a Site Survey, check on Sewer, Drainage requirements and ensure the proposal meets the landscaping, maximum floor-space and other SEPP rules for articulation etc.
2. We will need to employ a Structural Engineer to physically inspect and certify that the existing concrete slab meets the Building Code of Australia for residential buildings.. This adds between $900 to $1,200 to the approval price.
3. We need to check that the garage (or shed) has a minimum internal wall-height of 2.4 metres as per the BCA. Some sheds are not high enough, which would preclude them for granny flat approval.
4. If the garage/shed is less than 900 mm from the side or rear boundaries, we will need to design a Fire-Rated-Wall in order to met the Building Code of Australia for minimum fire-separation. This can be done via either a brick-wall or special cladding which is fire rated and installed as per the manufacturers instructions. This will ensure the building itself and adjoining neighbours are protected from fire as per the Building Code.
5. As for a new granny flat, we will prepare the Floor Plan, Elevations/Sections, Site Plan, Drainage Plan, Specifications, Material Schedule, Framing Detail and BASIX for submission to the Certifier.
6. Finally, the Private Certifier will asses the prepared Complying Development application and grant you approval within 10 working days!
BASIX – Energy Efficiency
It’s important to also note that BASIX (Energy Ratings) must be met for the development. This means ensuring minimum insulation, glazing, ventilation and energy-efficient hot water are installed into garage conversions. We will of course, take care of these requirements for you and implement them to minimise your construction costs.
Here at Granny Flat Approvals Sydney, we are able to prepare your designs, specifications and plans for submission to our private Certifier for fast approval. We are constantly researching ways for our clients to gain easy approvals and save money in the process. We are spear-heading methods of granny fat designs and approvals so that you save time and money. Feel free to give us a call to see how we can help with garage conversions approval the easy way.
Warm Regards,
Serge Panayi – Granny Flat Approvals, Sydney.
