{ "name": "Australian granny flat (secondary dwelling) rules dataset — Victoria and Queensland", "description": "Structured, cited rules for building and renting a granny flat in Victoria and Queensland: the Victorian small second dwelling definition, zone status, overlay effects, Building Regulations siting rules, tenancy metering, electricity distributors, water corporations and tax; and the Queensland state frame plus the size cap, lot minimum, proximity rule, site cover and infrastructure-charge position published by each of 13 councils. Every record carries the instrument or scheme provision it was read from and the date it was read.", "version": "2026-09-12", "verified": "12 September 2026", "publisher": { "name": "E2ES — Optima Real Estate Pty Ltd", "url": "https://e2es.com.au", "author": { "name": "Joey Don", "role": "Co-Founder & CEO", "orcid": "https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9927-4780" } }, "licence": { "name": "Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International", "id": "CC-BY-4.0", "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/", "attribution": "E2ES — Optima Real Estate Pty Ltd, Australian granny flat rules dataset v2026-09-12, https://e2es.com.au/data/granny-flat-rules-au.json" }, "canonical": { "json": "https://e2es.com.au/data/granny-flat-rules-au.json", "markdown": "https://e2es.com.au/data/granny-flat-rules-au.md", "referenceVictoria": "https://e2es.com.au/reference/small-second-dwelling-rules-victoria", "referenceQueensland": "https://e2es.com.au/reference/secondary-dwelling-rules-queensland", "guideVictoriaZoning": "https://e2es.com.au/granny-flat-zoning-victoria", "guideVictoriaUtilities": "https://e2es.com.au/granny-flat-utilities-victoria", "guideQueenslandCouncils": "https://e2es.com.au/secondary-dwelling-rules-by-council-queensland", "planner": "https://e2es.com.au/checker" }, "spatialCoverage": [ "Victoria, Australia", "Queensland, Australia" ], "disclaimer": "General information compiled from public primary sources on the verification dates shown on each record. Not legal, planning, building, tax or financial advice. Planning schemes, council charges resolutions, utility policies and tenancy law change frequently — verify the current instrument for the specific lot. Where a figure could not be verified against the issuing body's own document, the record says so rather than carrying a guessed number.", "victoria": { "smallSecondDwelling": { "definition": { "clause": "Clause 73.03 (Victoria Planning Provisions, land-use group \"Accommodation\")", "text": "A building with a gross floor area of 60 square metres or less, on the same lot as an existing dwelling and used as a self-contained residence, which must include: a) a kitchen sink; b) food preparation facilities; c) a bath or shower; and d) a toilet and wash basin.", "buildingRegs": "Building Regulations 2018 reg 5 — a Class 1a building that is self-contained and has a gross floor area equal to or less than 60 m² on the same allotment as an existing single Class 1 building that is not a small second dwelling.", "introduced": "Amendment VC253, operational 14 December 2023 (Gazette S677 of 14 Dec 2023 carries the companion Minister's Guideline MG-12 under the Building Act)." }, "section1Conditions": [ "No more than one dwelling existing on the lot", "Only one small second dwelling on the lot", "Reticulated natural gas must not be supplied to the small second dwelling" ], "permitTrigger": "A permit is required to construct or extend a small second dwelling on a lot of less than 300 square metres (32.07-6, 32.08-6, 32.09-6, 32.04-6, 32.10-4, 32.05-7, inserted by VC282, operative 8 September 2025). Above 300 m² the trigger does not apply; overlays and other clauses still can. Below 300 m² the application is assessed against Clause 54 and is VicSmart where the listed standards are met.", "subdivision": "A permit must not be granted which would allow a separate lot to be created for land containing a small second dwelling (every zone; restated by VC288, 16 October 2025).", "parking": "Clause 52.06-1 (VC277, 18 Dec 2025): the car parking clause does not apply to the construction and use of a small second dwelling; Building Regulations reg 78(7) likewise.", "dpu": "Clause 52.04 keeps the old dependent person's unit (a movable building for a person dependent on a resident) alive only transitionally: 52.04-12 (VC304, 23 Mar 2026) switches it off after 28 March 2027 (building permit by 28 June 2027 saves an existing application)." }, "zones": [ { "code": "GRZ", "name": "General Residential Zone", "status": "as-of-right", "permitBelow300": true, "siteCoverClause54Pct": 65, "note": "Section 1 use (no permit) where the three conditions are met; a permit to construct only on a lot under 300 m². Max building height 11 m / 3 storeys (32.08-11)." }, { "code": "NRZ", "name": "Neighbourhood Residential Zone", "status": "as-of-right", "permitBelow300": true, "siteCoverClause54Pct": 60, "note": "As GRZ." }, { "code": "RGZ", "name": "Residential Growth Zone", "status": "as-of-right", "permitBelow300": true, "siteCoverClause54Pct": 70, "note": "As GRZ." }, { "code": "MUZ", "name": "Mixed Use Zone", "status": "as-of-right", "permitBelow300": true, "siteCoverClause54Pct": 70, "note": "As GRZ." }, { "code": "HCTZ", "name": "Housing Choice and Transport Zone", "status": "as-of-right", "permitBelow300": true, "siteCoverClause54Pct": 70, "note": "As GRZ (32.10-4)." }, { "code": "TZ", "name": "Township Zone", "status": "as-of-right", "permitBelow300": true, "siteCoverClause54Pct": 60, "note": "Plus the 32.05-3 services condition (reticulated sewer if available, else EPA on-site system; potable water; electricity)." }, { "code": "LDRZ", "name": "Low Density Residential Zone", "status": "as-of-right", "permitBelow300": false, "note": "Section 1 with the 32.03-2 services condition; no sub-300 m² trigger (VC282 excluded LDRZ). Buildings and works permit only for Section 2 uses." }, { "code": "RLZ", "name": "Rural Living Zone", "status": "as-of-right", "permitBelow300": false, "note": "Section 1 with the 35.03-2 services condition and 500 m from a mineral-resources work authority; buildings-and-works permit only inside the zone's road / waterway / schedule setbacks." }, { "code": "FZ", "name": "Farming Zone", "status": "as-of-right", "permitBelow300": false, "note": "Section 1 with services, 1 km from a wind-energy facility, 500 m from a work authority; buildings and works permit inside the setbacks, and a small second dwelling must be 100 m from a small second dwelling not in the same ownership (35.07-4)." }, { "code": "RAZ", "name": "Rural Activity Zone", "status": "as-of-right", "permitBelow300": false, "note": "Section 1 with the 35.08-2 services condition; setback triggers apply." }, { "code": "RCZ", "name": "Rural Conservation Zone", "status": "as-of-right", "permitBelow300": false, "note": "Section 1 with the 35.06-2 services condition; setback triggers apply. Councils with a blanket ESO over conservation land (e.g. Cardinia) advise that a permit is usually needed in practice." }, { "code": "GWZ", "name": "Green Wedge Zone", "status": "as-of-right", "permitBelow300": false, "note": "Section 1 with the 35.04-2 condition: all-weather road for emergency vehicles, sewer or EPA wastewater, potable water including fire-fighting storage, electricity." }, { "code": "GWAZ", "name": "Green Wedge A Zone", "status": "as-of-right", "permitBelow300": false, "note": "As GWZ (35.05-2)." }, { "code": "UGZ", "name": "Urban Growth Zone", "status": "as-of-right", "permitBelow300": false, "note": "Section 1 with services + all-weather access (37.07-2); the applied-zone provisions of the precinct structure plan may add controls (37.07-11)." }, { "code": "C1Z", "name": "Commercial 1 Zone", "status": "prohibited", "permitBelow300": null, "note": "\"Small second dwelling\" is listed under Section 3 — Prohibited (34.01)." }, { "code": "C2Z", "name": "Commercial 2 Zone", "status": "review", "permitBelow300": null, "note": "No small second dwelling row; the Accommodation rules of the zone govern — confirm with council." }, { "code": "PUZ", "name": "Public Use Zone", "status": "review", "permitBelow300": null, "note": "No small second dwelling provision — public land, confirm with the land manager." } ], "overlayEffects": [ { "code": "BMO", "name": "Bushfire Management Overlay", "effect": "permit", "clause": "44.06-2 (VC248, 5 May 2026)", "text": "A permit is required to construct a building or carry out works associated with Accommodation; only an alteration/extension of an existing dwelling or small second dwelling by up to 50 % of its floor area is exempt. Bushfire hazard site assessment (AS 3959:2018), landscape assessment and bushfire management statement; Clause 53.02 applies." }, { "code": "HO", "name": "Heritage Overlay", "effect": "conditional", "clause": "43.01-3 (VC253)", "text": "No permit if the building height does not exceed 5 m and the building is finished in muted tones and colours; demolition, tree and fence triggers in 43.01-1 still apply." }, { "code": "DDO", "name": "Design and Development Overlay", "effect": "conditional", "clause": "43.02-2 (VC307, 20 Apr 2026)", "text": "Same 5 m + muted-tones exemption as the Heritage Overlay; otherwise a permit." }, { "code": "NCO", "name": "Neighbourhood Character Overlay", "effect": "conditional", "clause": "43.05-2; 43.05-3 (VC282/VC292)", "text": "Same 5 m + muted-tones exemption; the schedule may modify the Clause 54 standards." }, { "code": "LSIO", "name": "Land Subject to Inundation Overlay", "effect": "permit", "clause": "44.04-2 (VC253)", "text": "A permit is required to construct a building or carry out works unless the schedule exempts; only decks and pergolas up to 800 mm attached to a small second dwelling are exempt." }, { "code": "SBO", "name": "Special Building Overlay", "effect": "permit", "clause": "44.05-2 (VC288, 16 Oct 2025)", "text": "Permit required, same pattern as LSIO; Melbourne Water referral." }, { "code": "FO", "name": "Floodway Overlay", "effect": "permit", "clause": "44.03-2", "text": "Permit required; new dwellings in a floodway are generally not supported." }, { "code": "ESO", "name": "Environmental Significance Overlay", "effect": "permit", "clause": "42.01-2 (VC288)", "text": "Permit for buildings and works unless the schedule states one is not required; small second dwelling outbuildings and tanks are VicSmart (59.05)." }, { "code": "SLO", "name": "Significant Landscape Overlay", "effect": "permit", "clause": "42.03-2; 59.05", "text": "Permit unless the schedule exempts; constructing a small second dwelling is a VicSmart class." }, { "code": "VPO", "name": "Vegetation Protection Overlay", "effect": "unaffected", "clause": "42.02-2", "text": "Unaffected unless vegetation is removed, destroyed or lopped." }, { "code": "EMO", "name": "Erosion Management Overlay", "effect": "permit", "clause": "44.01-2 (VC253)", "text": "Permit required unless the schedule exempts." }, { "code": "SMO", "name": "Salinity Management Overlay", "effect": "permit", "clause": "44.02-2", "text": "Permit required (same structure); outbuildings VicSmart." }, { "code": "EAO", "name": "Environmental Audit Overlay", "effect": "precondition", "clause": "45.03-1", "text": "Not a permit trigger but a precondition: a preliminary risk screen / audit statement or certificate must issue before buildings and works for a sensitive (residential) use commence." }, { "code": "PAO", "name": "Public Acquisition Overlay", "effect": "permit", "clause": "45.01-1 (VC253)", "text": "Permit required to construct a building." }, { "code": "DCPO", "name": "Development Contributions Plan Overlay", "effect": "unaffected", "clause": "45.06-1; VC249 (14 Jan 2024)", "text": "No permit trigger; VC249 exempted development for a small second dwelling from DCP levies by re-incorporating each DCP — check the specific plan." }, { "code": "DPO", "name": "Development Plan Overlay", "effect": "unaffected", "clause": "43.04-2", "text": "No independent trigger; if a permit is otherwise needed it must be generally in accordance with the plan." }, { "code": "IPO", "name": "Incorporated Plan Overlay", "effect": "unaffected", "clause": "43.03-1", "text": "As DPO." }, { "code": "PO", "name": "Parking Overlay", "effect": "unaffected", "clause": "45.09-3; 52.06-1", "text": "Clause 52.06 does not apply to a small second dwelling." }, { "code": "RO", "name": "Restructure Overlay", "effect": "permit", "clause": "45.05-2", "text": "Permit required to construct or extend a dwelling or other building; reticulated sewer required if available." }, { "code": "AEO", "name": "Airport Environs Overlay", "effect": "conditional", "clause": "45.02-1, 45.02-2", "text": "No buildings-and-works trigger, but any new building must meet AS 2021-2015 noise attenuation and the schedule requirements." }, { "code": "MAEO", "name": "Melbourne Airport Environs Overlay", "effect": "conditional", "clause": "45.08-1", "text": "Any requirement in the schedule must be met." }, { "code": "SCO", "name": "Specific Controls Overlay", "effect": "permit", "clause": "45.12-1", "text": "Governed entirely by the incorporated document." } ], "siting": [ { "rule": "Behind the front wall", "value": "The small second dwelling is set back behind the front wall of the existing dwelling facing the front street; porches, verandahs, pergolas, eaves, gutters, screens and decks over 800 mm must not encroach.", "cite": "Building Regulations 2018 reg 74A; planning Clause 54.02-8 Standard A2-8 (VC282)" }, { "rule": "Side and rear setback", "value": "1 m for walls up to 3.6 m high; plus 0.3 m for every metre of height over 3.6 m up to 6.9 m; 2 m plus 1 m per metre over 6.9 m.", "cite": "Building Regulations 2018 reg 79, Table 79; Clause 54 Standard A2-3" }, { "rule": "Walls on boundaries", "value": "Within 200 mm of a side or rear boundary: length no more than the abutting wall or 10 m plus 25 % of the remaining boundary; average height 3.2 m, maximum 3.6 m.", "cite": "Building Regulations 2018 reg 80" }, { "rule": "Site coverage", "value": "Buildings must not occupy more than 60 % of the allotment (zone schedule may vary) — applies to the two buildings together (reg 76(5)). Where a planning permit is needed, Clause 54 Table A2-5 applies 60 % NRZ/TZ, 65 % GRZ, 70 % RGZ/MUZ/HCTZ.", "cite": "Building Regulations 2018 reg 76; Clause 54.03-2 Table A2-5" }, { "rule": "Permeability", "value": "At least 20 % of the allotment must have a permeable surface.", "cite": "Building Regulations 2018 reg 77" }, { "rule": "Garden area", "value": "25 % (400–500 m²), 30 % (500–650 m²), 35 % (over 650 m²) where the zone requires it (GRZ/NRZ).", "cite": "Building Regulations 2018 reg 76A" }, { "rule": "Building height", "value": "Zone/schedule height, else 10 m on a slope of 2.5° or more and 9 m otherwise; GRZ max 11 m / 3 storeys.", "cite": "Building Regulations 2018 reg 75; Clause 32.08-11" }, { "rule": "Private open space", "value": "The existing dwelling keeps at least 25 m² with a 3 m minimum dimension; the small second dwelling gets at least 8 m² with a 1.6 m minimum dimension and access from a habitable room other than a bedroom.", "cite": "Building Regulations 2018 reg 86(2)(b), reg 86A" }, { "rule": "Access path", "value": "A clear unobstructed path from the front street at least 1 m wide (1.8 m if longer than 30 m), 2 m clear height, gradient no steeper than 1:14, cross-fall 1:40, sealed or all-weather.", "cite": "Building Regulations 2018 reg 86B; Clause 54 Standard A3-5" }, { "rule": "Car parking", "value": "None required for a small second dwelling.", "cite": "Building Regulations 2018 reg 78(7); Clause 52.06-1" }, { "rule": "Fire separation", "value": "An external wall within 1.8 m of another building on the same allotment (or 900 mm of a side/rear boundary) must achieve FRL 60/60/60 or be 90 mm masonry.", "cite": "NCC 2022 Vol 2 H3D3; Housing Provisions 9.2.1, 9.2.3" }, { "rule": "Easements and water assets", "value": "No structure over an easement in favour of a water authority, or within 1 m laterally of any other authority's works (5 m for Melbourne Water), without the authority's consent — whether or not an easement is registered.", "cite": "Water Act 1989 s 148(1); Building Regulations 2018 reg 130" }, { "rule": "Stormwater", "value": "The council's report on the legal point of discharge must be obtained before the building permit.", "cite": "Building Regulations 2018 reg 133" }, { "rule": "Septic", "value": "A septic tank installation or alteration needs council report and consent unless an EPA permit exists.", "cite": "Building Regulations 2018 reg 132" }, { "rule": "Report and consent", "value": "Each siting regulation carries its own council report-and-consent power; council must apply Minister's Guideline MG-12 and give the adjoining owner an opportunity to comment.", "cite": "Building Act 1993 s 188A and Schedule 2 clause 4A; Gazette S677 (MG-12)" } ], "tenancy": { "act": "Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), reprint 9 September 2026", "separatelyMetered": "Section 3: \"separately metered\" means there is, in respect of rented premises, a meter (a) that has been installed or approved by the relevant supplier of the utility and (b) that measures, in relation to those premises only, the quantity of a substance or service supplied to or used at those premises.", "renterPays": "Section 52: where the premises are separately metered — all charges for the supply or use of electricity, gas or oil (except installation and initial connection), the cost of water supplied where based on the amount supplied (or that part of a charge that is), and sewage disposal charges imposed by a water corporation under the Water Act 1989.", "providerPays": "Section 53(1): installation and initial connection of any service; all rates, taxes and charges under any Act; electricity, gas or oil at premises that are NOT separately metered; water supply charges not based on the amount supplied; all water charges (supply, usage and sewage disposal) at premises that are not separately metered; sewerage and drainage services.", "noEfficiencyTest": "Victoria has no water-efficiency precondition for charging a renter for water (that is a NSW/QLD rule); the only WELS hooks are the minimum standard of a 3-star shower head (Regulations 2021 Schedule 4) and reg 24 (replacement fixtures must be 3-star or the provider pays the water cost).", "privateSubMeter": "A landlord's own check meter is not a meter \"installed or approved by the relevant supplier\", so it does not make a small second dwelling \"separately metered\" for the Act; the clean route is a distributor-issued second NMI and a water-corporation meter.", "embeddedNetwork": "ESC General Exemption Order 2022 (from 1 Jan 2023): selling metered electricity to fewer than 10 residential customers on a site you own needs no registration (deemed exemption VD2) but the price may not exceed the Victorian Default Offer, the meter must be an approved (pattern-approved) meter, and EWOV membership applies.", "roomingHouse": "Section 3: a rooming house is a building in which one or more rooms are available for rent and the total number of people who may occupy those rooms is not less than 4. The test is per building; a small second dwelling is a separate Class 1a building, so a house let to one household plus a separately let unit is not a rooming house." }, "electricityDistributors": [ { "distributor": "AusNet Services", "area": "Eastern metro + north-east and eastern Victoria", "process": "EnergyConnect — your Registered Electrical Contractor lodges the application; AusNet aims to connect the meter within 15 days of submission.", "url": "https://www.ausnetservices.com.au/electricity/connections/meter-connections" }, { "distributor": "CitiPower", "area": "Inner Melbourne / CBD", "process": "eConnect — RECs and licensed electrical workers submit new connections with the Certificate of Electrical Safety attached; customers can only submit abolishments and solar pre-approvals.", "url": "https://www.powercor.com.au/for-your-workplace/connections/how-to-use-econnect/" }, { "distributor": "Powercor", "area": "Western Melbourne + western Victoria", "process": "eConnect — same portal and rules as CitiPower.", "url": "https://www.powercor.com.au/for-your-workplace/connections/how-to-use-econnect/" }, { "distributor": "Jemena", "area": "North-western Melbourne", "process": "Electricity Distribution Portal via the retailer — Electrical Works Request + Certificate of Electrical Safety per premise; for multiple premises also a group-metering-panel CES and the council-approved street number allocation for each dwelling; truck appointment.", "url": "https://www.jemena.com.au/electricity/new-connections/electrician-hub/" }, { "distributor": "United Energy", "area": "South-eastern Melbourne + Mornington Peninsula", "process": "myEnergy — applications by customers, RECs (Electrical Work Request + prescribed CES) or retailers; connection charges appear on the electricity bill.", "url": "https://www.unitedenergy.com.au/residential/connecting-your-home" } ], "waterCorporations": [ { "corporation": "Yarra Valley Water", "area": "Northern and eastern Melbourne", "policy": "New Customer Contribution applies to any connection that is separately titled or is, or can be, individually metered; YVW requires both dwellings to be serviced by individual main water meters and does not offer a main-meter-plus-check-meter arrangement. \"Apply for separate metering\" form (owners agreement required).", "fees": "NCC 2025-26 $1,018.89 each for water, sewer and recycled water; 2026-27 $1,113.63 each.", "url": "https://www.yvw.com.au/help-advice/develop-build/home-owners/apply-separate-metering" }, { "corporation": "South East Water", "area": "South-eastern Melbourne, Casey, Cardinia, Mornington Peninsula", "policy": "NCC for any new property that is separately titled or is, or can be, individually metered; applications via PropertyConnect; a dual occupancy on one meter can apply for check meters at the owner's cost.", "fees": "NCC per lot 2026-27: water $1,112.49; sewer $1,112.49 (other areas) / $1,306.81 (Casey) / $2,285.23 (Cardinia); recycled water $2,951.64 (Casey) / $3,551.01 (Cardinia).", "url": "https://southeastwater.com.au/building-and-development/developers/prices-and-charges/" }, { "corporation": "Greater Western Water", "area": "Western and north-western Melbourne", "policy": "Metering and Servicing Guidelines v8.4 §11.7 (dependent persons unit / granny flat): where the development is a \"dwelling\" under the Planning and Environment Act or the applicant requests separate meters, New Customer Contributions apply; individual sub/check metering is optional; three servicing options (separate tappings, upsized 25 mm service with sub-meters, or retain the existing service); NCC deferrable via a DPU declaration.", "fees": "NCC applies when separately metered — amount per the current GWW schedule.", "url": "https://www.gww.com.au/sites/default/files/2022-05/Water_metering_and_servicing_guidelines.pdf" }, { "corporation": "Barwon Water", "area": "Geelong and the Surf Coast", "policy": "\"Application for Water and Sewer Connection\"; NCC framework 2023-28.", "fees": "Amounts not verified this round.", "url": "https://www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/" }, { "corporation": "Central Highlands Water", "area": "Ballarat", "policy": "Plumbing consent via My Services; your plumber installs a water meter on site before connection; multiple dwellings need a Notice of Agreement (Non-Works).", "fees": "Amounts not verified this round.", "url": "https://www.chw.net.au/development/property-services-and-information/connecting-to-existing-water-or-sewer-services" }, { "corporation": "Coliban Water", "area": "Bendigo", "policy": "Separate water meters installed by a Coliban Water contractor are required for each individual occupancy; \"Connect a Property\" application.", "fees": "NCC water and sewer 2025-26 $3,512.51 standard / $2,032.70 small-lot infill.", "url": "https://coliban.com.au/files/2025-06/Coliban%20Water%20Schedule%20of%20Fees%20and%20Charges%202025-2026.pdf" } ], "taxAndLevies": [ { "item": "Land tax", "text": "Land Tax Act 2005 s 62A: if principal-place-of-residence land contains a separate residence used to derive income from accommodation in the preceding year, land tax is assessable on the part of the land containing that residence (partial PPR exemption, SRO worked example from the 2026 tax year).", "url": "https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/" }, { "item": "Short stay levy", "text": "Short Stay Levy Act 2024: 7.5 % of the total booking fee on stays under 28 consecutive days from 1 January 2025; a granny flat on the same land as the owner's home is levied if it can be occupied separately (the platform pays where booked via a platform).", "url": "https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/owning-property/short-stay-levy/understanding-short-stay-levy" }, { "item": "Vacant residential land tax", "text": "Statewide from 2025: land not lived in for 6 months of the previous year by the owner, a permitted occupant, or under a genuine lease or short-term letting; 1 % / 2 % / 3 % of capital improved value by year liable. Treatment of an empty unit on occupied PPR land not stated by the SRO.", "url": "https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/owning-property/vacant-residential-land-tax/understanding-vacant-residential-land-tax" }, { "item": "Council rates", "text": "Councils must separately rate each part of a property capable of separate occupancy (Valuation of Land Act 1960) — a separately let small second dwelling can become a second rateable assessment; practice varies by council.", "url": "https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Your-Property/Rates-Valuations/Combined-rates-for-adjoining-properties" } ] }, "queensland": { "state": { "definition": { "instrument": "Planning Regulation 2017 (Qld) schedule 24", "text": "A secondary dwelling is a dwelling on a lot that is used in conjunction with, but subordinate to, another dwelling on the lot, whether or not the dwelling is attached to the other dwelling, or occupied by individuals who are related to, or associated with, the household of the other dwelling.", "dwelling": "A \"dwelling\" is a self-contained residence that includes food-preparation facilities, a bath or shower, and a toilet and wash basin.", "consequence": "Two dwellings on one lot, one of them secondary, remain a single \"dwelling house\" for the scheme — which is why the secondary dwelling cannot be separately titled, subdivided or sold on its own." }, "occupancy": { "instrument": "Planning (Secondary Dwellings) Amendment Regulation 2022 (SL 2022 No. 133)", "text": "Notified 23 September 2022 (government material quotes 26 September, the first business day): the requirement that the secondary dwelling be occupied by a member of the same household as the primary dwelling was deleted state-wide. A Queensland secondary dwelling may be let to anyone, in every local government area.", "note": "A definition set by the Regulation is a regulated requirement, so residual \"same household\" or \"relative\" wording left in a council scheme cannot narrow it. Several schemes still carry that wording (Somerset's consultation text did); it does not restrict tenancy." }, "assessment": { "instrument": "Planning Regulation 2017 (Qld) schedule 6, part 2", "text": "A dwelling house (which includes its secondary dwelling) is accepted development in the lower-density residential zones where the planning scheme's acceptable outcomes are met. Where they are not met, or an overlay elevates the assessment, a development application is required — code assessment in the ordinary case.", "note": "Accepted development means no planning application, not no approval: the building approval and the plumbing approval are separate and always required." }, "approvals": [ { "step": "Building approval", "text": "Development approval for building work under the Building Act 1975 (Qld), assessed and issued by a licensed building certifier. A secondary dwelling is a Class 1a building under the NCC.", "instrument": "Building Act 1975 (Qld); Building Regulation 2021 (Qld)" }, { "step": "Plumbing approval", "text": "A plumbing and drainage permit from the local government for the relevant plumbing and drainage work connecting the second dwelling.", "instrument": "Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 (Qld)" }, { "step": "Building over or near infrastructure", "text": "A Class 1 or Class 10 building within 3 m of a sewer, water main or stormwater drain is referred to the service provider, which has 20 business days to respond.", "instrument": "QDC MP 1.4 — Building over or near relevant infrastructure" } ], "siting": { "instrument": "Queensland Development Code MP 1.1 (lots under 450 m²) and MP 1.2 (lots 450 m² and over), 2010 editions", "text": "The QDC sets the state-wide siting standards — boundary setbacks, site cover, building height, on-site car parking and private open space — unless the planning scheme states its own. Which module applies is decided by lot size, not by the size of the dwelling.", "transition": "The Queensland Housing Code chapters published on 14 August 2026 replace MP 1.1 / MP 1.2 in a council area only once that council's planning scheme adopts them; the transition window runs 1 September 2026 to 1 September 2029 (Business Queensland, updated 7 September 2026). On 12 September 2026 every South East Queensland lot is still governed by MP 1.1 / MP 1.2.", "plannerDefault": "The /checker planner uses a 1.5 m side and rear boundary setback for Queensland, which is the common scheme and MP 1.2 figure for a single-storey wall; the module, the scheme and any overlay are confirmed for your lot at the site assessment." }, "fireSeparation": { "instrument": "NCC 2022 Housing Provisions Part 9.2 (9.2.1, 9.2.3)", "text": "An external wall within 1.8 m of another building on the same allotment, or within 900 mm of a side or rear boundary, must achieve FRL 60/60/60 or be built in masonry. This is what usually sets the minimum gap between the house and the unit." }, "infrastructureCharges": { "text": "A council infrastructure charge can only attach to a development approval. Where the secondary dwelling is accepted development, no council charge is normally levied — but several councils levy one anyway through their charges resolution when an application is needed, and the distributor-retailer's own charges are separate. The per-council position is in the council table; four of the eleven SEQ councils state a position in their own document, and the rest are marked not verified.", "instrument": "Planning Act 2016 (Qld) chapter 4; each council's adopted charges resolution" }, "subdivision": "A secondary dwelling cannot be subdivided from the primary dwelling or separately titled — the two are one dwelling house on one lot." }, "tenancy": { "act": "Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld), reprint current as at 17 August 2026", "agreementType": "A self-contained secondary dwelling with no shared access to the main house is let on a general tenancy agreement; where the occupant shares facilities with the main house it is rooming accommodation and a rooming accommodation agreement applies (RTA Queensland guidance).", "waterCharging": "Section 166: water consumption can be passed to the tenant only where all three limbs are met — the premises are individually metered (or supplied by tanker), the premises are water efficient as defined in the Act, and the tenancy agreement states the tenant must pay for water consumption.", "waterEfficient": "Section 166A and the Regulation: internal cold-water taps and single-mixer taps in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry, all shower heads, and all toilets must meet the prescribed water-efficiency ratings.", "serviceCharges": "Sections 164–165: a service charge (electricity, gas) can be passed on where the premises are separately metered for that service. Where a service is on a shared meter, it can be apportioned only if the tenancy agreement states the method of apportionment — \"if there are no terms outlining these charges in the agreement, the property owner cannot charge the tenant for these services\" (RTA Queensland, 31 October 2022).", "sharedMeterConsequence": "This is why a council rule requiring a shared meter has a tenancy consequence: where the scheme mandates a single water meter for the two dwellings (Moreton Bay RAD19, Sunshine Coast, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley), the individually-metered limb of s 166 cannot be met and water consumption cannot lawfully be charged to the tenant." }, "utilities": [ { "provider": "Energex", "kind": "Electricity distributor", "area": "South East Queensland", "policy": "A second National Metering Identifier on the same lot is obtained through a negotiated connection application, lodged by your electricity retailer; the electrical contractor works through the Electrical Partners Portal.", "url": "https://www.energex.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/1087068/PG023_Connect-Application-User-Guide.pdf" }, { "provider": "Ergon Energy", "kind": "Electricity distributor", "area": "Regional Queensland (including Townsville and Cairns)", "policy": "Same connection framework as Energex under the shared Energy Queensland connection policy; application through the retailer.", "url": "https://www.ergon.com.au/network/connections" }, { "provider": "Urban Utilities", "kind": "Water and sewerage", "area": "Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, Somerset", "policy": "Standard Connection Guideline STD166 (v1.3, June 2024): two dwellings on one lot need a Water Approval; one additional water service and meter is the typical arrangement; infrastructure charges may apply where the number of dwellings increases.", "url": "https://www.urbanutilities.com.au/sfsites/c/cms/delivery/media/MCRS5CRIG26BHE5EEQDQAQEFSPVM" }, { "provider": "Unitywater", "kind": "Water and sewerage", "area": "Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Noosa", "policy": "No separate water or sewer connection is issued for a secondary dwelling on the same lot; a second water meter can be requested through Connection Services; infrastructure charges may apply.", "url": "https://www.unitywater.com/building-and-developing/building-and-renovating/connecting-a-second-dwelling" }, { "provider": "Logan Water (Logan City Council)", "kind": "Water and sewerage", "area": "Logan", "policy": "Council-run water business; connection and metering applications through council. Secondary-dwelling metering practice not verified this round.", "url": "https://www.logan.qld.gov.au/water" }, { "provider": "City of Gold Coast Water", "kind": "Water and sewerage", "area": "Gold Coast", "policy": "Council-run water business; plumbing and water connection applications through council. Secondary-dwelling metering practice not verified this round.", "url": "https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Services/Water-waste/Water-sewerage-connections" }, { "provider": "Redland Water (Redland City Council)", "kind": "Water and sewerage", "area": "Redland", "policy": "Council-run water business. Secondary-dwelling metering practice not verified this round.", "url": "https://redland.qld.gov.au/info/20025/water_and_waste" } ], "councils": { "Brisbane": { "name": "Brisbane City Council", "region": "Brisbane metro", "scheme": "Brisbane City Plan 2014 (v36, operative 12 June 2026)", "section": "Dwelling house code, Table 9.3.7.3.A, AO1.2 / PO1", "maxGfaSqm": 80, "maxGfaRuralSqm": 100, "proximityM": 20, "minLotSqm": null, "maxSiteCoverPct": 50, "setbackSource": "QDC MP 1.1 (lots < 450 m²) / MP 1.2 (≥ 450 m²)", "acceptedDevelopment": true, "rentToNonHousehold": true, "infrastructureCharges": "Brisbane Infrastructure Charges Resolution (No. 15) 2026 (from 1 Jul 2026) contains no secondary-dwelling clause — a council charge can only attach to a development approval, so an accepted-development secondary dwelling normally attracts none; Urban Utilities charges may apply where the number of dwellings increases.", "overlays": [ "Flood overlay (Brisbane River / creek / overland flow)", "Bushfire overlay", "Traditional building character overlay", "Heritage overlay", "Waterway corridors", "Coastal hazard", "Landslide", "Airport environs / ANEF", "Transport noise corridor" ], "cite": "Dwelling house code Table 9.3.7.3.A AO1.2 (and the small-lot code Table 9.3.8.3.A): \"Any development for a secondary dwelling is: a. a maximum of 80m2 in gross floor area; b. located within 20m of the dwelling house.\" Since the Planning Regulation 2017 sch 24 definition (a regulated requirement) lets unrelated occupants live there, any residual \"same household\" wording in a scheme cannot restrict tenancy. The \"100 m² on rural land\" figure on builder sites was not found in the code. PENDING — Major Amendment Package L (consulted 3 Nov–1 Dec 2025, adoption anticipated mid-late 2026, NOT adopted at 12 Sep 2026) proposes: internal floor area the lesser of 80 m² or 10 % of the site area (a 400 m² lot → 40 m²), max 2 bedrooms, 50 % total site cover, single storey detached with 3 m side/rear walls.", "sourceUrl": "https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/content/dam/brisbanecitycouncil/corpwebsite/building-and-planning/documents/major-amendment-package-l-schedule-of-amendments.pdf.coredownload.pdf", "verified": "2026-09-12" }, "Logan": { "name": "Logan City Council", "region": "Brisbane metro (south)", "scheme": "Logan Planning Scheme 2015 (v9.2, operative 1 July 2025)", "section": "9.3.2 Residential activities code, AO8 / AO9", "maxGfaSqm": 70, "maxGfaLargeLotSqm": 100, "largeLotThresholdSqm": 1000, "proximityM": null, "siting": "Beside, incorporated within (above or under) or behind — never in front of — the primary dwelling; one crossover where the frontage is under 30 m.", "minLotSqm": null, "maxSiteCoverPct": 50, "setbackSource": "Scheme setbacks + QDC MP 1.1 (lots < 450 m²) / MP 1.2 (≥ 450 m²)", "acceptedDevelopment": true, "rentToNonHousehold": true, "infrastructureCharges": "YES — Logan levies a secondary dwelling at the dwelling-house rate (Logan Charges Resolution (No. 12) 2025, effective 1 Sep 2025, item 7; charged since CR No. 11, 6 Mar 2023). A separate \"auxiliary unit\" pathway (min 450 m² lot, up to two bedrooms) pre-dates the state reform.", "overlays": [ "Flood hazard", "Bushfire hazard", "Heritage", "Landslide hazard", "Acid sulfate soils" ], "cite": "Council fact sheet \"Domestic Housing\" (Logan Planning Scheme 2015 v9.2): secondary dwelling ≤ 70 m² GFA in a residential zone on a lot under 1,000 m², 100 m² otherwise; GFA excludes garages, carports, decks and patios; located beside, within or behind but NOT in front of the primary dwelling; no minimum lot size and no minimum frontage; can be occupied by a different household and independently rented; typically accepted development subject to requirements. The \"within 20 m\" limb repeated on builder sites is NOT in Logan's scheme — it is Brisbane's/Lockyer's rule.", "sourceUrl": "https://www.logan.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-and-building/documents/fact_sheet___domestic_housing.pdf", "verified": "2026-09-12" }, "Ipswich": { "name": "Ipswich City Council", "region": "Brisbane metro (west)", "scheme": "Ipswich City Plan 2025 (Version 2, operative 1 July 2026)", "section": "Table 9.3.7.3.1 RO1.1.1 / Table 9.3.7.3.2 AO1.1.1", "maxGfaSqm": null, "gfaBands": [ { "minLotSqm": 450, "maxLotSqm": 600, "capSqm": 60 }, { "minLotSqm": 600, "maxLotSqm": 800, "capSqm": 90 }, { "minLotSqm": 800, "maxLotSqm": null, "capSqm": 120 } ], "proximityM": null, "minLotSqm": null, "maxSiteCoverPct": 50, "setbackSource": "QDC MP 1.1 (lots < 450 m²) / MP 1.2 (≥ 450 m²)", "acceptedDevelopment": true, "rentToNonHousehold": true, "infrastructureCharges": "NONE — \"There are no infrastructure charges levied for a Secondary Dwelling\" (Council fact sheet \"Secondary Dwelling and Dual Occupancy\" V1.3, 25 Feb 2026).", "overlays": [ "Flood hazard", "Bushfire hazard", "Heritage", "Character", "Mining influence", "Steep land" ], "cite": "Dwelling House and Dual Occupancy Code (Part 9.3.7), Table 9.3.7.3.1 — secondary dwelling GFA by lot size: ≤ 60 m² (> 450–600 m²), ≤ 90 m² (> 600–800 m²), ≤ 120 m² (> 800 m²). No limit on bedrooms, on who lives there, or on whether the property already has a dwelling. Accepted development (subject to requirements) in Residential and Rural zones; a development application in Character Residential, Centres, Industry and Environment & Conservation zones. The table has no row below 450 m², so a sub-450 m² lot is not accepted development and needs code assessment. Separate 3-bin waste area per dwelling; no separate street number; cannot be strata-titled. The commonly cited 50 / 80 m² figures are pre-2025; \"90/120/150\" conflates the dual-occupancy column.", "sourceUrl": "https://edoc.ipswich.qld.gov.au/objective/download.php?id=A10472999&ext=pdf&env=iccecm&plat=pdonline", "verified": "2026-09-12" }, "Moreton Bay": { "name": "City of Moreton Bay", "region": "Brisbane metro (north)", "scheme": "MBRC Planning Scheme 2016, Version 7 (Better Housing Amendment, effective 30 October 2024)", "section": "Dwelling house code (Part 9.3.1), RAD18–RAD25", "maxGfaSqm": null, "gfaBands": [ { "minLotSqm": 450, "maxLotSqm": 800, "capSqm": 45 }, { "minLotSqm": 800, "maxLotSqm": null, "capSqm": 55 } ], "proximityM": 10, "minLotSqm": 450, "minLotNote": "450 m² and a 10 m primary frontage; 600 m² and a 12.5 m frontage in the Suburban neighbourhood and Coastal communities precincts of the General residential zone (RAD18).", "maxSiteCoverPct": 60, "sharedServices": "RAD19 — a compliant secondary dwelling must share a single water connection and meter, a single electricity connection and meter, the wastewater connection, the street number and letterbox, the driveway and the pedestrian access point.", "setbackSource": "Scheme + QDC MP 1.1 (lots < 450 m²) / MP 1.2 (≥ 450 m²)", "acceptedDevelopment": true, "rentToNonHousehold": true, "infrastructureCharges": "Charges Resolution (No. 10), effective 5 Oct 2022 — secondary-dwelling treatment not verified; Unitywater charges may apply.", "overlays": [ "Flood hazard", "Bushfire hazard", "Coastal hazard (storm tide, erosion)", "Landslide", "Heritage", "Acid sulfate soils", "Building heights" ], "cite": "MBRC Planning Scheme v7 Part 9.3.1 (read from the council PDF, 12 Sep 2026): RAD21 GFA \"45m², where located on lots between 450m² and 800m² in area; or 55m², where located on lots greater than 800m² in area\". RAD22 siting: not in front of the primary dwelling; annexed to it, or where freestanding \"within 10m of the primary dwelling\" (outermost projection to outermost projection). RAD18 lot size 450 m² / 10 m frontage (600 m² / 12.5 m in the Suburban neighbourhood and Coastal communities precincts). RAD19 shared water + electricity meter. RAD20 one extra car space. RAD23 one per lot. Every RAD: non-compliance is a concurrence-agency matter for the building application, not a full DA. Site cover 60 % (v7). No rural tier exists in RAD21 — the \"100 m² rural\" figure on builder sites is unsupported. NOTE: because RAD19 requires a single shared water meter, a compliant Moreton Bay secondary dwelling cannot lawfully pass water consumption to a tenant under RTRA Act s 166.", "sourceUrl": "https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/2/services/building-development/mbrc-plan/v7/mbrc-planning-scheme-part-9.3.1.pdf", "verified": "2026-09-12" }, "Redland": { "name": "Redland City Council", "region": "Brisbane metro (bayside)", "scheme": "Redland City Plan (v14, as updated 8 April 2026)", "section": "Dwelling house code; Amenity and Aesthetics Guideline LUP-001-001-G v9 (effective 1 February 2024)", "maxGfaSqm": null, "proximityM": null, "minLotSqm": null, "maxSiteCoverPct": 50, "setbackSource": "QDC MP 1.1 (lots < 450 m²) / MP 1.2 (≥ 450 m²)", "acceptedDevelopment": true, "rentToNonHousehold": true, "infrastructureCharges": "None below the Amenity & Aesthetics thresholds. Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution (No. 3.2) 2023 (effective 1 Feb 2024): 30 % of the dwelling-house charge for a secondary dwelling of 85–112 m² (or ≥ 160 m² on a rural lot of 6,000 m²+), 50 % above 112 m².", "overlays": [ "Flood and storm tide hazard", "Bushfire hazard", "Coastal protection", "Landslide hazard", "Heritage", "Koala habitat" ], "cite": "The City Plan (v14) contains NO secondary dwelling GFA cap. Size is controlled through the Amenity and Aesthetics Policy & Guideline (in force 1 Feb 2024), Item 4 Probable Solution P1: 85 m² (lot under 1,000 m²), 112 m² (1,000 m²+), 160 m² (Rural zone, lot 6,000 m²+); larger designs are referred to council and levied. The 2023 secondary-dwelling amendment was withdrawn on 15 Oct 2025 and rolled into Major Amendment 02/25 (Residential): consulted 2–29 Mar 2026; on 15 Jul 2026 Council resolved to seek the Planning Minister's approval — NOT in effect as at 12 Sep 2026. Assessment level varies by zone and overlay; some lots need only building and plumbing approval. Resolves to \"review\" in the planner by design.", "sourceUrl": "https://redland.qld.gov.au/info/20206/dwellings/450/dual_living_-_secondary_dwelling", "verified": "2026-09-12" }, "Gold Coast": { "name": "City of Gold Coast", "region": "Gold Coast (the whole Gold Coast LGA is one council)", "scheme": "Gold Coast City Plan 2016 (v13, operative 9 December 2025)", "section": "9.3.18 Secondary dwelling code, RO4 / PO4 (size), RO1 / AO1 (siting)", "maxGfaSqm": 80, "maxGfaRuralSqm": 90, "proximityM": 10, "proximityRuralM": 20, "minLotSqm": null, "maxSiteCoverPct": 50, "setbackSource": "QDC MP 1.1 (lots < 450 m²) / MP 1.2 (≥ 450 m²)", "acceptedDevelopment": true, "rentToNonHousehold": true, "infrastructureCharges": "NONE at 80 m² or less — Charges Resolution (No. 1) of 2025 (effective 1 Jul 2025) cl 5.3: \"No adopted charge applies to development that is a material change of use or building work for a secondary dwelling that has a GFA of 80m2 or less\". Above 80 m² the dwelling-house charge applies per dwelling.", "overlays": [ "Flood", "Bushfire hazard", "Coastal erosion hazard", "Landslide hazard", "Acid sulfate soils", "Heritage and character", "Airport environs", "Environmental significance", "Transport noise" ], "cite": "Secondary dwelling code (9.3.19): ≤ 80 m² GFA; attached to or within 10 m of the primary dwelling in the standard residential zones, within 20 m in the Rural and Rural residential zones (excluding their landscape and environment precincts); noticeably smaller than the house; shares its driveway; maximum two bedrooms; accepted development subject to requirements in the Low, Medium and High density residential zones, a development application above 80 m². The whole Gold Coast LGA is ONE council (Coolangatta to the Logan boundary); Tweed, south of the border, is NSW. A City Plan Version 14 service already exists on the council GIS — check for adoption.", "sourceUrl": "https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/v/3/pdfs/brochures-amp-factsheets/charges-resolution-no-1-of-2025.pdf", "verified": "2026-09-12" }, "Sunshine Coast": { "name": "Sunshine Coast Council", "region": "Sunshine Coast (north of Moreton Bay)", "scheme": "Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 (as amended 23 January 2024)", "section": "9.3.6 Dwelling house code, AO11 / AO12.1 / AO12.2", "maxGfaSqm": 60, "maxGfaRuralSqm": 90, "proximityM": 20, "minLotSqm": 600, "maxSiteCoverPct": 50, "setbackSource": "QDC MP 1.1 (lots < 450 m²) / MP 1.2 (≥ 450 m²)", "acceptedDevelopment": true, "rentToNonHousehold": true, "sharedServices": "Shares the water connection and meter, the wastewater connection/system, the street number and letterbox and the driveway with the primary dwelling; one additional on-site car space.", "infrastructureCharges": "Not verified — no council exemption found (the \"$7,000 saving from 1 July 2025\" story is Noosa's, not Sunshine Coast Council's); Unitywater charges may also apply.", "overlays": [ "Flood hazard", "Bushfire hazard", "Coastal protection", "Landslide hazard", "Heritage and character", "Biodiversity" ], "cite": "Council info sheet (Sept 2023): ≤ 60 m² GFA (90 m² in the Rural and Rural residential zones; 45 m² and ≤ 4 m high in the Moffat Beach / Shelly Beach / Dicky Beach area); freestanding units within 20 m of the primary dwelling (outermost projection to outermost projection); in an urban zone, a regular-shaped lot of at least 600 m². Accepted development subject to requirements in the Medium/High density residential, Emerging community, Limited development, Rural residential and Rural zones; in the Low density residential zone the MCU is accepted under Planning Regulation sch 6 pt 2 with council as concurrence agency. May be rented to anyone for long-term residential use. The new planning scheme (consultation closed 19 Sep 2025) is NOT in force; the State asked council to drop minimum lot sizes for secondary dwellings.", "sourceUrl": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/63f446dc343cd34fe798c868/t/65e91074e0e2552148e5fe1a/1709772919018/Sunshine+Coast+Planning+Scheme+2014+-+Information+sheet+-+Secondary+dwelling.pdf", "verified": "2026-09-12" }, "Noosa": { "name": "Noosa Shire Council", "region": "Sunshine Coast (north)", "scheme": "Noosa Plan 2020, Amendment No. 3 (20 March 2026)", "section": "Fact Sheet 3 — Secondary dwellings (as amended 26 Sep 2025)", "maxGfaSqm": 65, "maxBedrooms": 2, "proximityM": null, "minLotSqm": null, "maxSiteCoverPct": null, "setbackSource": "Zone code (height, setbacks and site cover of the zone)", "acceptedDevelopment": true, "rentToNonHousehold": true, "infrastructureCharges": "NONE — \"As of 1 July 2025, Infrastructure charges do not apply to a secondary dwelling\" (Charges Resolution (No. 9) 2025).", "overlays": [ "Biodiversity", "Coastal protection", "Bushfire hazard", "Flood hazard", "Landslide hazard" ], "cite": "One or two bedrooms and a maximum GFA of 65 m² (unenclosed balconies, decks and garages excluded); must comply with the zone code's height, setbacks and site cover; one per lot regardless of lot size; can be rented separately to unrelated tenants; must be permanently occupied — no short-term accommodation; one extra on-site car space; certifier-assessed without council referral when compliant, a development application if any requirement is not met or the site has a biodiversity or coastal-protection constraint; reticulated water and sewer inside the urban boundary, otherwise 60,000 L combined tanks; bushfire 5,000 L firefighting supply; flood — habitable floors 300 mm above the DFE.", "sourceUrl": "https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-and-development/documents/user-guides-and-fact-sheets/amendment-2-noosa-plan-20.10.25/fact-sheet-3-secondary-dwellings.pdf", "verified": "2026-09-12" }, "Scenic Rim": { "name": "Scenic Rim Regional Council", "region": "Brisbane metro fringe (south-west)", "scheme": "Scenic Rim Planning Scheme 2020 (commenced 20 Mar 2020; current version 30 Jun 2023)", "section": "Dwelling House Code 9.3.5 — secondary dwelling requirements", "maxGfaSqm": 60, "proximityM": 20, "minLotSqm": null, "maxSiteCoverPct": 50, "sharedServices": "Connected to the same water and electricity supply as the primary dwelling; on-site wastewater via the primary dwelling's system where sewer is unavailable.", "setbackSource": "Scheme table — residential/township zones: street 6 m, corner-lot secondary frontage 3 m, side/rear 1.5 m (≤ 4.5 m walls) / 2 m (4.5–7.5 m); Limited development and Rural residential zones: street 10 m, side/rear 3 m / 5 m", "acceptedDevelopment": true, "rentToNonHousehold": true, "infrastructureCharges": "Discounted charge — Charges Resolution Version No. 16 (27 Aug 2025) applies a reduced charge to secondary dwellings (secondary-verified).", "overlays": [ "Bushfire hazard", "Flood hazard", "Landslide hazard", "Environmental significance", "Heritage", "Agricultural land", "Airports and defence" ], "cite": "GFA not exceeding 60 m²; located within 20 m of the outermost projection of the primary dwelling; one extra off-street car space; connected to the same water and electricity supply; height ≤ 2 storeys / 8.5 m. Accepted subject to requirements in the residential, township and rural-residential zones (Emerging community and Rural zones only with access from a constructed road).", "sourceUrl": "https://www.scenicrim.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/planning-and-permits/planning-schemes/planning-scheme-fact-sheets/dwelling_houses_and_secondary_dwellings_30june2023.pdf", "verified": "2026-09-12" }, "Somerset": { "name": "Somerset Regional Council", "region": "Brisbane metro fringe (north-west)", "scheme": "Somerset Region Planning Scheme, Version 5.0 (Major Amendment 2, commenced 4 June 2026)", "section": "Dwelling house code — additional criteria for secondary dwellings (AO9–AO11)", "maxGfaSqm": null, "gfaBands": [ { "minLotSqm": 0, "maxLotSqm": 2000, "capSqm": 60 }, { "minLotSqm": 2000, "maxLotSqm": null, "capSqm": 90 } ], "proximityM": null, "siting": "No closer to the primary street frontage than the principal dwelling; Rural zone units at least 15 m from any side or rear boundary; same crossover.", "minLotSqm": 800, "minLotNote": "AO10 \"minimum of 800 square metres\" appears in the Major Amendment 2 text — status in the adopted v5.0 to be confirmed.", "maxSiteCoverPct": 50, "setbackSource": "QDC MP 1.1 / MP 1.2 (Rural zone: 15 m side/rear)", "acceptedDevelopment": true, "rentToNonHousehold": true, "infrastructureCharges": "Not verified.", "overlays": [ "Flood hazard", "Bushfire hazard", "Landslide hazard", "Environmental significance", "Heritage" ], "cite": "Major Amendment 2 text (near-primary, tracked-change consultation version; v5.0 adopted 20 May 2026): outside the Rural zone 60 m² on lots under 2,000 m² and 90 m² on 2,000 m²+; Rural zone 60 / 90 / 120 m² (under 2,000 m² / 2,000 m²–5 ha / over 5 ha); at least one covered car space. The consultation text still carried an acceptable outcome about occupation \"by a relative of the principal household\" — the Planning Regulation definition prevails, so it cannot restrict tenancy; confirm it was deleted in v5.0.", "sourceUrl": "https://www.somerset.qld.gov.au/Our-Services/Planning/Somerset-Region-Planning-Scheme", "verified": "2026-09-12" }, "Lockyer Valley": { "name": "Lockyer Valley Regional Council", "region": "Brisbane metro fringe (west of Ipswich)", "scheme": "Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme (+ TLPI 2024 Flood Regulation), effect 22 July 2024", "section": "Dwelling house code AO10.1–AO10.6", "maxGfaSqm": 70, "maxGfaRuralSqm": 100, "maxBedrooms": 2, "proximityM": 20, "proximityNote": "The 20 m rule applies in the Rural and Rural residential zones (AO10.1).", "minLotSqm": null, "maxSiteCoverPct": 50, "sharedServices": "Shares all service connections, the driveway and crossover, and private open space with the primary dwelling (AO10.4–AO10.6); three on-site car spaces for a dwelling house with a secondary dwelling.", "setbackSource": "QDC MP 1.1 / MP 1.2 in urban and rural-residential zones; Rural zone 10 m from all boundaries", "acceptedDevelopment": true, "rentToNonHousehold": true, "infrastructureCharges": "Infrastructure Charges Resolution (No. 9) 2025 exists — treatment of secondary dwellings not verified.", "overlays": [ "Flood hazard (TLPI 2024)", "Bushfire hazard", "Landslide", "Environmental significance", "Heritage" ], "cite": "Council info sheet (Oct 2024): AO10.2 maximum GFA 70 m² in a residential zone or the Township zone, 100 m² elsewhere; AO10.3 no more than two bedrooms; AO10.1 within 20 m of the primary dwelling in the Rural and Rural residential zones; accepted development in the Emerging community, Low density, Low-medium density, Mixed use, Rural, Rural residential and Township zones; a Flood hazard overlay (TLPI) triggers a material change of use application.", "sourceUrl": "https://www.lockyervalley.qld.gov.au/repository/libraries/id:2eccbxg5l17q9su8pzhy/hierarchy/our-services/development-services/documents/planning-factsheets/Dwelling%20Houses%20%20Secondary%20Dwellings%20Info%20Sheet.pdf", "verified": "2026-09-12" }, "Townsville": { "name": "Townsville City Council", "region": "North Queensland", "scheme": "Townsville City Plan (v2025/01)", "section": "Table 6.2.1.3 AO4 (AO5 in the Rural residential zone)", "maxGfaSqm": 90, "proximityM": 20, "minLotSqm": null, "maxSiteCoverPct": 50, "setbackSource": "QDC MP 1.1 / MP 1.2", "acceptedDevelopment": true, "rentToNonHousehold": true, "infrastructureCharges": "Confirm with council.", "overlays": [ "Flood hazard", "Bushfire hazard", "Coastal hazard", "Heritage" ], "cite": "Secondary dwelling ≤ 90 m² GFA (exclusive of a single carport or garage), within 20 m of the primary house. The Rural residential zone version (AO5) omits the 20 m limb.", "sourceUrl": "https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/planning-and-building/townsville-city-plan", "verified": "2026-08-05" }, "Cairns": { "name": "Cairns Regional Council", "region": "Far North Queensland", "scheme": "CairnsPlan 2016 (v3.1, commenced 2 August 2022)", "section": "9.2.11 Dwelling house code, AO1.1 / AO1.2", "maxGfaSqm": 70, "proximityM": null, "minLotSqm": 450, "maxSiteCoverPct": 50, "setbackSource": "QDC MP 1.1 / MP 1.2", "acceptedDevelopment": true, "rentToNonHousehold": true, "infrastructureCharges": "Confirm with council.", "overlays": [ "Flood hazard", "Bushfire hazard", "Coastal hazard", "Hillslopes", "Heritage" ], "cite": "Secondary dwelling ≤ 70 m² GFA (exclusive of a single carport or garage) on lots > 450 m². The 450 m² minimum is a limb of AO1.1 only. AO1.2 expressly PERMITS secondary dwellings in the Rural zone: 70 m² under 10 ha, 250 m² over 10 ha.", "sourceUrl": "https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/building-planning-and-business/planning/cairnsplan-2016", "verified": "2026-08-05" }, "default": { "name": "Other Queensland councils", "maxGfaSqm": null, "proximityM": null, "minLotSqm": null, "maxSiteCoverPct": null, "cite": "Check the local planning scheme — secondary dwelling criteria (GFA cap, siting, site cover) vary by council. Confirmed in writing at the free site assessment.", "verified": null } } } }