How to apply for a Granny Flat
The procedure for the approval to construct a Granny Flat involves lodging a Development Application (DA) with the Local Council. The DA must be approved so long as:
- It is a In-Home or Home-Extension Granny Flat.
- Is on a lot size that is at least 450 square metres.
This does not imply that lots under 450 square metres are not permitted to construct Granny Flats – they are simply matters of situation presented at the time.
The new legislation permits approval within 10 days so far as the provisions set in the ARH-SEPP are met.
There are some special cases and exceptions to keep in mind:
Most residential zones are open to the Granny Flat provisions, however this does not apply to rural residential zones.
As with houses in the NSW Housing Code, certain areas that have a heritage or environmental sensitivity are not permitted to construct Granny Flats.
Some further provisions – which does not mean construction is not permitted, but requires further paper work, include:
A Granny Flat within a house or an In-Home Granny Flat with an external entrance.
Granny Flats attached or detached with the nature of alterations that:
- Add a new wing to the house
- Add an extra level to the house
- Add a level to the garage