The idea of building a Granny Flat is exciting and it can be easy to get carried away, however it’s important to carry out the appropriate research before getting started. Be sure to consult both your local council and state government laws, as these will vary depending on your area.
In NSW, there are two different application processes that can be taken for the construction of a Granny Flat. A Development Application (DA) is a formal application that must be submitted to the local council, along with relevant reports and plans, which can sometimes take months to receive approval for.
If you’re looking for a more fast-tracked process, a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) would be the best option, assuming that your property meets the minimum requirements to do so. A CDC combines both a Development Application and a construction certificate and is a far more streamlined process than submitting a DA. It can be granted by either local council or an accredited certifier, and best of all, the approval process time can be as little as 10 days depending on compliance with the Affordable Rental Housing SEPP.
The requirements for a Granny Flat to be built under a CDC include:
- Property must be zoned residential and not subdivided
- Set in combination with a primary home on a minimum 450m² property, with at least 12m street frontage
- Internal floor space of the Granny Flat can be a maximum size of 60m², except for detached studios which can be a maximum of 35m²
- Must be built a minimum of 3m away from any existing trees over 4m high on the property
- Cannot be built over an easement
- For blocks in size between 450-900m², a 3m setback from the rear and 0.9m from the side boundaries must be maintained
- For blocks in size between 900-1500m², a 5m setback from the rear and 1.5m from the side boundaries must be maintained
- For blocks exceeding 1500m² in size, a 10m setback from the rear and 2.5m from the side boundaries must be maintained.
With an experienced in-house council planning and drafting team who take care of the approval process, you can rely on the Cubitt’s team to accompany you during the entire process. From the beginning stages of research, to designing a space that’s suitable for you, all the way through to handing you the keys to your new Granny Flat, Cubitt’s has you covered. With over 28 years of experience in building across NSW and ACT, speak with our dedicated customer service team for an obligation-free consultation on 1300 721 150 or hello@cubitts.com.au
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