Can I build a granny flat on my property? (Council pre-application checklist)
Transcript
(Will you guide me on what to bring to council to check if I’m allowed to put a second granny flat at the back of my home? Is there any information I should take?)
Charles Christodoulou: Yeah. As I mentioned at the beginning, the best thing is to print out a plan. It doesn’t have to be the final selection – just print a possible plan. Ring the council, make a time to go there, and ask them: “Do you have any problems with this? Can I build this plan on my land?” I’ll warn you now…
Charles Christodoulou: The first thing they’re going to say to you is, “You need to bring us all the formal plans.” You’ve got to say to them, “I don’t have any formal plans, but are there any restrictions, overlays, or zonings that could prevent me from building a granny flat?”
Charles Christodoulou: Restrictions, overlays, zonings.
Charles Christodoulou: If there is none, I can’t see why you can’t build a granny flat. And if you want to get a little bit deeper, ask, “Is there any covenant?”
Charles Christodoulou: Yeah. Covenant, restrictions, overlays, and zonings. Try and cover it all.
Charles Christodoulou: And if you want, you can check it online – but it won’t show you covenants. Go to VicPlan – and type in your address, and you’ll see on the left-hand side all zonings and overlays.
Print a draft floor plan (it doesn’t need to be final) and book a pre-application meeting with your local council. Use the meeting to confirm whether anything would block your granny flat before you spend money on formal drawings.
What to bring
A printed iBuild granny flat floor plan (a likely option is fine).
Your Section 32 / land contract if you have it (to help check covenants).
What to ask (the three essentials)
Restrictions, overlays, or zoning
“Are there any restrictions, overlays, or zoning issues that would prevent this plan on my land?”Covenants on title
“Are there any covenants on the land that would limit building this or the materials/appearance?”Support for this plan
“If I provide all required information, will you support an application for this plan?”
For a broader checklist on doing council due diligence early, see Checking council info before buying land for a kit home