Can you Build a Granny Flat Without Council Approval in Melbourne?

Granny flats are becoming increasingly popular across Melbourne. Driven by a spike in multi-generation living arrangements and flexible living options, more and more homeowners are investing in these tiny homes. The process used to involve strict planning controls and long building days, however recent changes in Victorian legislations have made the building process a lot easier and more efficient. 

Many Australian homeowners have a lot of questions before deciding whether a granny flat is the best option for their property, with one of the main ones being “can you build a granny flat without council approval?”. The short answer is yes, in some cases. Melbournians no longer need to obtain a planning permit for a small secondary dwelling, however strict building rules and a building permit must still be obtained prior to construction 

Here is everything you need to be aware of in regards to granny flat council approval in Victoria to ensure a fast and hassle-free experience. 

What is a Granny Flat? 

A granny flat is a small detached dwelling built on the same block of land as an existing house. . In Victoria, the government now refers to granny flats as “small second swellings”, as these units often contain everything that a regular home would. A kitchen, bathroom, living area, and a bedroom are all included in a granny flat unit, with a separate entrance also an option. In Melbourne, homeowners often use granny flats for a variety of different purposes, including housing for adult children, elderly parents, guests, and additional home office spaces.  

Granny flats also increase property value immensely, and are a worthwhile investment if you are considering renting out the space for someone else to use.  

Can you Build a Granny Flat Without Council Approval?

As mentioned previously, Victorian laws now do not demand that homeowners secure a planning permit before undertaking the construction of granny flats. This follows amendments made by the state government to facilitate an increase in housing availability. So, if your project meets the required conditions, you can avoid the standard planning permit process, which removes months of waiting and additional costs. However, you will still need to obtain a building permit, and comply with all the Building Code of Australia and Victorian building legislation to ensure a lawful installation of the property. 

What is the Difference Between a Building Permit and a Planning Permit? 

Before progressing with a granny flat installation, it is important to understand the key differences between a standard planning permit and a building permit. 

Planning Permit 

A planning permit focuses on the “what” and ”where” of the granny flat approval process. It takes multiple different factors into consideration, including neighbourhood impacts, site layout, land use, and zoning requirements. 

Building Permit 

A building permit is more centered around safety and structural soundness. It focuses on fire safety, energy efficiency, building compliance, plumbing and draining, and the structural safety of the design. To assess and adhere to granny flat laws in Victoria, a licensed surveyor will issue the building permit after inspection. 

When Do You Need Granny Flat Approval in Melbourne?

Some Melbourne homeowners will automatically qualify for planning permit exemption for their granny flats if they meet certain requirements. Some of these conditions include; the block must be at least 300 square metres whilst the granny flat remains under 60 square metres, only one small dwelling is allowed per lot, the design must meet ResCode standards, setback, and site coverage requirements, and the dwelling must share the same title as the same home. 

However, if your build falls outside of these conditions, you will need to obtain council approval for your granny flat. 

Granny Flat Regulations in Victoria

Understanding granny flat regulations is critical, with Victorian legislation focusing heavily on liveability and compliance. If you have a thorough understanding of these requirements, you will be able to indulge in a stress-free building process and complete your granny flat with ease. In regards to a planning permit, even without one you will still have to comply with National Construction Code, Victorian Building Regulations, and ResCode Residential standards. These rules help to cover site coverage, overshadowing, building height, privacy, drainage, ventilation, and energy efficiency. 

Our qualified building designer and installation team at Premier will help make sure that your second dwelling complies with these requirements prior to construction to avoid any unnecessary legal surprises

How Much Does it Cost to Obtain a Granny Flat Approval from the Victorian Government? 

Whilst it seems straightforward and that there would be a fixed price for obtaining a permit, approval costs vary significantly on multiple different factors. Surveyor fees, permit requirements, site condition, design complexity, and utility connections can all impact pricing. 

When choosing to partner with Premier Homes for your granny flat build, typical building costs generally include energy reports, architectural drawings, soil testing, engineering reports, surveying fees, and building permit fees, with a more complex build being more expensive overall. 

Everyone’s build is different – there is no fixed price. At Premier, our team will discuss all budgeting options with you, and arrange a quote that is tailor made to your granny flat build (with laws and regulation in mind). 

Choose Premier Homes for your Granny Flat Project 

Finding the right builder for your granny flat can be quite overwhelming. There are so many laws and regulations that encompass the building process which can cause a whole lot of stress for you and your family. At Premier Homes, our team of dedicated granny flat builders will make sure that all of our builds are completed with both integrity and honesty, giving you an update of everything that is happening throughout your building process. 

Are you ready to transform your empty backyard space into a valuable investment? If you have any additional questions regarding Victorian laws and regulations around a granny flat build, please don’t hesitate to contact us.