What's Needed to Approve Your Granny Flat

To approve a granny flat in NSW, you need to navigate several key steps and meet specific regulatory requirements. Firstly, it's essential to determine whether your property is suitable for a granny flat. This includes checking that your land meets the minimum lot size requirements set by the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) Housing 2021, which generally mandates a lot size of at least 450 square meters. Additionally, the proposed granny flat must comply with local council regulations regarding setbacks, floor space ratios, and height restrictions.

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Once we've confirmed your property meets these basic requirements, the next step involves obtaining the necessary approvals. You can pursue either a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC). A DA is a more detailed process that involves submitting plans to the local council for approval, which includes community consultation and adherence to specific council policies. On the other hand, a CDC is a faster process for projects that meet predefined standards and can be approved by a private certifier. Regardless of the path chosen, you will need detailed architectural plans, engineering reports, and possibly other assessments such as bush fire or flood risk evaluations. After securing the required approvals, you can proceed with the construction of your granny flat, ensuring compliance with all building codes and standards throughout the process.