Non-consented Small Stand-Alone Dwellings
The granny flats building consent exemption allows you to build a new, stand-alone, single-storey dwelling up to 70 square metres (often called granny flats) without a building consent, provided all exemption conditions are met.
Some of these conditions are listed here, but please refer to the links below for complete guidance and legislation.
- You must apply for a PIM (project information memorandum). This must be issued before construction starts. Councils do not inspect or certify exempt builds but will record them on the property file.
- It must be new, stand alone, and built on the same site as the principal dwelling.
- It must be single storey and no larger than 70 square metres
- It must meet all relevant Building Code requirements
- The Plans must be designed, and the building constructed or supervised, by licensed building professionals (LBPs, architects, or chartered engineers)
- You remain responsible for compliance with all exemptions and the Building Code
- Development contributions or other charges such as infrastructure connection fees may apply.
- Your design must address any ‘natural hazard’ risks and make adequate provision to protect the land, building work or other property.
- The granny flat must be completed within two years of the PIM issue date, and the homeowner must submit required documentation to Council within 20 days of completing the build.
