Building a Granny Flat in Sunshine Coast Council

Building a granny flat in the Sunshine Coast Council area can be a rewarding project, offering additional living space, rental income, or a place for family members. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding the different types of secondary dwellings, tiny homes, dual occupancies, and the planning requirements involved.

Secondary Dwellings

Secondary dwellings, often referred to as granny flats, are self-contained living units built on the same lot as a primary residence. They are designed to be subordinate to the main house and are typically used to accommodate family members, such as elderly parents or adult children. In the Sunshine Coast, secondary dwellings are generally accepted development, meaning they do not require council approval if they meet specific criteria ¹. These criteria include:

The lot must be at least 600m².
The secondary dwelling must be no larger than 90m² in rural zones and 60m² in other zones ¹.
Adequate parking must be provided.

Tiny Homes

Tiny homes are becoming increasingly popular as a cost-effective and sustainable housing option. On the Sunshine Coast, tiny homes on wheels are considered temporary structures and are subject to local laws rather than building regulations ². Residents can live in a tiny home for up to four weeks per year without needing a permit. For longer stays, a temporary accommodation application is required ². Tiny homes must comply with the same planning requirements as other secondary dwellings if they are to be used as permanent residences ¹.

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Dual Occupancies

Dual occupancy refers to two dwellings on a single lot, either attached or detached. This type of development is suitable for those looking to rent out one of the dwellings or sell it separately. In the Sunshine Coast, dual occupancy developments are accepted in low and medium-density residential zones, provided they meet the requirements set out in the planning scheme ³. These requirements include:

Compliance with the Dual Occupancy Code.
Adequate provision for parking and access.
Consideration of the impact on the surrounding neighborhood.

Granny Flat Approvals

While many secondary dwellings do not require council approval, some situations may necessitate it. For instance, if the proposed granny flat does not meet the accepted development criteria, a development application must be submitted ³. The application process involves:

Submitting architectural plans and engineering reports.
Conducting site-specific assessments, such as soil tests and flood mapping ⁴.
Ensuring compliance with the relevant building codes and regulations.

Planning Requirements

The Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 outlines the regulations for land use and development in the region ⁵. Key planning requirements for building a granny flat include:

Ensuring the development is consistent with the zoning of the property.
Adhering to building height and setback requirements.
Providing adequate infrastructure, such as water and sewage connections ⁵.

Auxiliary Dwellings

Auxiliary dwellings are similar to secondary dwellings but are typically smaller and used for different purposes, such as home offices or guest accommodations. They must comply with the same planning requirements as secondary dwellings and are subject to the same size restrictions ¹.

Conclusion

Building a granny flat or any secondary dwelling on the Sunshine Coast requires careful planning and adherence to local regulations. By understanding the different types of dwellings and the specific requirements for each, you can ensure a smooth and successful building process. For more detailed information, refer to the Sunshine Coast Council’s development fact sheets and planning scheme documents ¹ ⁵.

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FAQ: Building a Granny Flat in Sunshine Coast Council

1. What is a granny flat?

A granny flat, also known as a secondary dwelling, is a self-contained living unit built on the same lot as a primary residence. It is typically used to accommodate family members, such as elderly parents or adult children.

2. Do I need council approval to build a granny flat?

In many cases, you do not need council approval if your granny flat meets the accepted development criteria. These criteria include the lot size, the size of the granny flat, and compliance with specific building codes.

3. What are the size restrictions for a granny flat?

For residential zoned blocks of 600m² or more, the maximum size for a granny flat is 60m² (excluding verandah and carport). In rural zones, the maximum size is 90m².

4. Can I rent out my granny flat?

Yes, you can rent out your granny flat. However, it must comply with the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 and meet all relevant building and safety standards.

5. What are the planning requirements for building a granny flat?

Key planning requirements include ensuring the development is consistent with the zoning of the property, adhering to building height and setback requirements, and providing adequate infrastructure such as water and sewage connections.

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

A secondary dwelling is a smaller, self-contained unit that is subordinate to the main house and typically used by family members. Dual occupancy refers to two dwellings on a single lot, which can be rented out or sold separately.

7. Are there any specific requirements for tiny homes?

Tiny homes on wheels are considered temporary structures and are subject to local laws rather than building regulations. For permanent use, they must comply with the same planning requirements as other secondary dwellings.

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8. What approvals are needed for a granny flat?

If your granny flat does not meet the accepted development criteria, you will need to submit a development application. This includes architectural plans, engineering reports, and site-specific assessments.

9. What are auxiliary dwellings?

10. Where can I find more information?

For more detailed information, refer to the Sunshine Coast Council’s development fact sheets and planning scheme documents.

Sunshine Coast Council Development Fact Sheets: Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014: Sunshine Coast Granny Flat Approvals

I hope this FAQ helps clarify the process of building a granny flat in the Sunshine Coast Council area! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Contact Us.

Table: Building a Granny Flat in Sunshine Coast Council

Table

Aspect	Details
Secondary Dwellings	Self-contained units on the same lot as the main house. No larger than 60m² in residential zones and 90m² in rural zones.
Tiny Homes	Considered temporary structures. Require a temporary accommodation application for stays longer than four weeks.
Dual Occupancies	Two dwellings on a single lot. Suitable for renting or selling separately. Must comply with Dual Occupancy Code.
Granny Flat Approvals	Required if the granny flat does not meet accepted development criteria. Involves submitting plans and reports.
Planning Requirements	Must be consistent with zoning, adhere to height and setback requirements, and provide adequate infrastructure.
Auxiliary Dwellings	Smaller units used for purposes like home offices or guest accommodations. Must meet the same requirements as secondary dwellings.

Building a Granny Flat in Sunshine Coast Council

For more detailed information, refer to the Sunshine Coast Council’s development fact sheets and planning scheme documents.

Sunshine Coast Council Development Fact Sheets ² : Tiny House Council Regulations ³: Building a Granny Flat on the Sunshine Coast: Sunshine Coast Granny Flat Approvals : Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014

I hope this table helps you understand the key aspects of building a granny flat in the Sunshine Coast Council area! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. For More Info Contact Us.