Building a secondary dwelling, commonly known as a granny flat, in Sydney offers homeowners a practical way to maximize property utility, provide housing for family members, or generate rental income. Understanding the design and approval process is crucial to ensure compliance with local regulations and to facilitate a smooth project execution.
Understanding Secondary Dwellings
A secondary dwelling is a self-contained residence located on the same lot as a principal dwelling. It can be attached to or separate from the main house and is designed to function independently, complete with its own living, sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities.
Design Considerations
When planning a secondary dwelling in Sydney, consider the following key factors:
Size and Space Limitations: In New South Wales, the maximum floor area for a secondary dwelling is 60 square meters or 25% of the main dwelling’s floor area, whichever is greater.
Setback Requirements: Setbacks refer to the minimum distance between the secondary dwelling and the property boundaries. For lots between 450 and 900 square meters, a minimum side setback of 0.9 meters and a rear setback of 3 meters are typically required. These requirements increase with larger lot sizes.
Height Restrictions: The maximum permissible height for a secondary dwelling is generally 3.8 meters. Exceeding this height may necessitate additional considerations, such as increased setbacks.
Access and Parking: While the Housing SEPP does not mandate additional parking for a secondary dwelling, it's advisable to check with your local council regarding any specific requirements or existing development consents that may affect on-site parking.
Approval Pathways
There are two primary approval pathways for constructing a secondary dwelling in Sydney:
Complying Development Certificate (CDC): If your proposed secondary dwelling meets specific criteria outlined in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 (Housing SEPP), it can be approved as complying development. This streamlined process allows for faster approval, typically within 12 to 28 days.
Development Application (DA): If your proposal does not satisfy all the requirements for complying development, you can lodge a development application with your local council. This process involves a more comprehensive assessment and may take longer to receive approval.
Steps to Approval
Site Assessment: Evaluate your property's compliance with zoning, size, and setback requirements.
Design Development: Create detailed plans that adhere to the Housing SEPP and local council regulations.
Application Submission: Submit your CDC or DA to the appropriate authority, either a private certifier or your local council.
Approval and Construction: Upon receiving approval, proceed with construction in accordance with the approved plans and obtain an Occupation Certificate upon completion.
Key Considerations
Zoning: Secondary dwellings are permitted in residential zones (R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5) and may also be allowed in other zones under a council’s local environmental plan.
Lot Size: For CDC approval, the lot must have an area of at least 450 square meters. If the land area is less than this, the development cannot be carried out as complying development unless the secondary dwelling is located entirely within an existing dwelling house.
Environmental Considerations: Ensure the design accounts for factors such as bushfire-prone areas, flood zones, and heritage conservation areas, which may impose additional requirements.
By carefully navigating the design and approval process, homeowners in Sydney can successfully add a secondary dwelling to their property, enhancing its functionality and value.
For more information visit: Secondary dwellings | Planning
