Building a secondary dwelling, or “granny flat,” is an excellent way to add space and value to your property. However, town planning rules in Queensland require careful attention to ensure your project runs smoothly. Here’s a breakdown of key considerations you need to be aware of:
Boundary Setbacks
One of the first things to consider is the boundary setback requirement. In Queensland, secondary dwellings must be positioned at least 1.5 meters away from the property boundary. This space ensures your building complies with council guidelines and maintains privacy and safety for both you and your neighbours. If we need to get closer to the boundary line we’ll need a so called relaxation with council.
Site Coverage
The overall footprint of the secondary dwelling is subject to site coverage limits. In Queensland, the combined footprint of your main house, secondary dwelling, and any other structures (such as sheds and pools) must not exceed 50% of your total site area. It’s essential to account for the “outermost projection” of your existing home, which includes eaves, patios, and verandahs.
Bushfire Overlays
If your property is in a bushfire overlay area, you’ll need to consult with a bushfire expert. The consultant will assess your land’s Bushfire Attack Level (BAL), which measures the risk posed by bushfires. Depending on the BAL rating, you may face additional costs for fire-resistant materials and other protective measures, ensuring the safety of your new secondary dwelling.
Flood Overlays
Building in a flood overlay area means your secondary dwelling must be constructed 300mm above the nominated flood height. The higher the flood level, the more complex and costly the construction process becomes. You may need additional scaffolding or special materials to accommodate the increased height, which can impact your overall budget.
Environmental Overlays
Some properties may also fall within environmental overlays, where the land has special environmental significance. In such cases, a consultant will need to assess the impact of your building on the surrounding ecosystem. Their advice will guide your construction to ensure it complies with environmental protection requirements.
Build Over Asset Approval
If there’s a sewage pipe within 3 meters of your proposed secondary dwelling, you’ll need to obtain a Build Over Asset (BOA) approval from the asset owner, such as Unity Water or Urban Utilities. This process involves demonstrating that your footings are deep enough to avoid damaging the pipe and won’t interfere with its function. Your engineer will need to submit detailed plans to show that the pipe will remain undisturbed.
Final Thoughts
Building a secondary dwelling can be a fantastic investment, but the town planning rules in Queensland require careful planning and preparation. From setbacks to overlays, it’s crucial to understand the regulations and work with professionals where needed—whether that’s a bushfire consultant, flood expert, or engineer. With the right planning, you’ll ensure your project is both compliant and cost-effective.
Speak to us today for expert advice on how to build a Granny Flat on your property.
At Timber Garden Cabins, we understand the importance of having space to live. Whether it’s a backyard cabin to pursue your passions, or a granny flat for a loved one or rental tenant to call home, our European-made timber cabin kits give you all the space you need.
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