Building a Granny Flat in Moreton Bay Council

Building a Granny Flat in Moreton Bay Regional Council

Building a granny flat, also known as a secondary dwelling, in the Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC) area can be a great way to add value to your property, provide additional living space for family members, or generate rental income. However, it’s essential to understand the planning regulations and rules that apply to secondary dwellings in this region.

Planning Regulations for Secondary Dwellings

The MBRC has specific regulations for secondary dwellings to ensure they are used appropriately and do not negatively impact the surrounding area. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Definition: A secondary dwelling is defined as a dwelling on a lot that is used in conjunction with, but subordinate to, another dwelling on the same lot. This means it can be either attached or detached from the primary dwelling.
2. Size and Location: The secondary dwelling must be located within 50 meters of the primary dwelling. The size of the secondary dwelling is also regulated, with a maximum gross floor area (GFA) of 45 square meters for lots with a primary frontage less than 15 meters.
3. Usage: The secondary dwelling must be used in conjunction with the primary dwelling. This means it should not function as a completely independent residence but rather as an extension of the main household.
4. Approval Process: Depending on the specifics of your project, you may need to obtain development approval from the MBRC. It’s important to check with the council to understand the exact requirements and ensure your project complies with all relevant regulations.

MBRC Granny Flat and Secondary Dwelling Rules

The MBRC has updated its rules for secondary dwellings to align with changes in the Queensland Planning Regulation 2017. Here are some of the key rules:

1. Subordination: The secondary dwelling must be subordinate to the primary dwelling. This means it should not overshadow or dominate the main house in terms of size or usage¹.
2. Occupancy: The secondary dwelling can be occupied by individuals who are related to or associated with the household of the primary dwelling. This rule ensures that the secondary dwelling remains an extension of the main household¹.
3. Design and Construction: The design and construction of the secondary dwelling must comply with all relevant building codes and standards. This includes considerations for safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability¹.
4. Rental: Recent changes have allowed for the rental of secondary dwellings, providing more flexibility for homeowners. This change aims to increase housing availability and provide additional income opportunities for property owners².

Building a granny flat in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area can be a rewarding project, but it’s crucial to understand and comply with the planning regulations and rules. By doing so, you can ensure your project is successful and adds value to your property.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the MBRC Secondary Dwelling Information Sheet and the MBRC Planning Schemes Info Sheets.

¹: Moreton Bay Regional Council Secondary Dwelling Information Sheet

FAQ: Building a Granny Flat Secondary Dwelling in Moreton Bay Regional Council

1. What is a secondary dwelling?

A secondary dwelling, often referred to as a granny flat, is a smaller, self-contained residence located on the same lot as a primary dwelling. It can be either attached or detached from the main house and is intended to be used in conjunction with the primary dwelling.

2. What are the size limitations for a secondary dwelling in Moreton Bay?

The maximum gross floor area (GFA) for a secondary dwelling is 45 square meters for lots with a primary frontage less than 15 meters. For larger lots, the GFA can be up to 55 square meters. If your property is zoned as Rural Residential, the GFA can be up to 100 square meters.

3. How close must the secondary dwelling be to the primary dwelling?

The secondary dwelling must be located within 50 meters of the primary dwelling.

4. Can I rent out my secondary dwelling?

Yes, recent changes to the regulations now allow for the rental of secondary dwellings. This provides homeowners with more flexibility and the opportunity to generate additional income.

5. Do I need approval to build a secondary dwelling?

Yes, you may need to obtain development approval from the Moreton Bay Regional Council. The specific requirements can vary depending on your project, so it’s important to check with the council to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.

6. Who can live in a secondary dwelling?

The secondary dwelling can be occupied by individuals who are related to or associated with the household of the primary dwelling. This ensures that the secondary dwelling remains an extension of the main household.

7. What are the design and construction requirements?

The design and construction of the secondary dwelling must comply with all relevant building codes and standards. This includes considerations for safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.

8. What is the difference between a secondary dwelling and a dual occupancy?

A secondary dwelling is used in conjunction with, but subordinate to, the primary dwelling on the same lot. In contrast, a dual occupancy involves two independent dwellings on a single lot or separate lots that share common property.

9. Where can I find more information?

For more detailed information, you can refer to the MBRC Secondary Dwelling Information Sheet and the MBRC Planning Schemes Info Sheets.: Moreton Bay Regional Council Secondary Dwelling Information Sheet.

If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask! Contact Us.

Here’s a table summarizing the key aspects of building a granny flat (secondary dwelling) in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area:

Table: Building a Granny Flat in MBRC

For more detailed information, you can refer to the MBRC Secondary Dwelling Information Sheet and the MBRC Planning Schemes Info Sheets.

If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

Contact Us about Building Your Owner Builder Kit Home

Contact Us On Our Website
Office Ph: 0738012316
Jeff Ph: 0407 763 976
Jeff Send a SMS message
Email build@mykithome.com.au