Do Granny Flats Need Planning Approval in Perth?
Granny flats can be a great way of adding value to your home by making the most of extra space. They can be used as a private place for your loved ones to stay, a new home office, or you may consider renting it out. And the good news is that building a granny flat is now easier than ever after the removal of planning hurdles and building restrictions in the new Residential Design Codes (R-Codes).
What Are the New Rules for Granny Flats in WA?
Following changes to the R-Codes in 2024, granny flats in Perth no longer require planning approval. This is providing the dwelling is 70 square metres or less and is self-containted on the same site as an existing home.
Your granny flat will need to adhere to the relevant deemed-to-comply requirements. This includes that they must have at least 1 metre of clearance from each boundary, be no higher than 8.5 metres, and provide visual privacy.
Building a granny flat still requires a building permit from the local council and to comply with the National Construction Code.
How Have the R-Codes Changed for Granny Flats?
The changes to the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) have made it much easier to build a granny flat by removing lot size restrictions and other planning hurdles.
Granny flats no longer require planning approval when the build is 70 square metres or less and associated with a single house.
The R-Codes previously required a minimum lot size of 350 square metres to build a granny flat, but this was removed in the 2024 legislation.
Granny flats can now be built on residential blocks regardless of size or zoning – providing they are compliant with the R-Codes and the National Construction Code.
The 2024 R-Codes update has also removed the requirement for an additional car bay when building a granny flat. In most cases, a granny flat will not be required to provide an extra parking bay providing it is near public transport.
How Do I Get Planning Approval & Building Permit?
A building permit is required for all granny flat projects, and you may still need planning approval if your granny flat is larger than 70 square metres.
Planning Approval
To obtain planning approval, you need to contact your local council’s planning department and submit an application outlining your plans before construction begins. The council will assess your application to determine whether the proposed granny flat will impact your neighbours and ensure it is compliant with R-Codes.
Building Permit
Getting a building permit will likely require hiring a surveyor who will assess your property and determine whether building a granny flat will impact its safety. A surveyor also ensures the proposed work is compliant with the Building Code of Australia, the Building Act 2011, and the Building Regulations 2012.
How Long Will This Take?
- Planning approval can take between 90 and 120 days so it is best to get this sorted as soon as possible
- Council building permits take a maximum of 10 business days
Can I Get Help?
Perth renovation experts Venaso Selections can guide you through the council approval stage and can advise you on whether planning approval or a building permit is required for your project.
If your project requires council approval, Venaso Selections can handle the application process on your behalf. This may include drawing up plans, filling out paperwork and submitting the application to the local council to minimise delays.
Contact us using the form on this page or by calling 0483 904 737 to learn more about how we can help you add a granny flat to your property.
How much does a granny flat cost to build?
Extend to include laundry: “Similar to a kitchen or laundry renovation in Perth, the cost of building a granny flat depends on the size and complexity of the project. For a better idea of how much a granny flat on your property could cost, contact Venaso Selections for a free, no-obligation estimate.
How long does it take to build a granny flat?
Construction of a granny flat can take between 6-10 weeks. To ensure the process is as quick as possible, planning approvals and building permits should be obtained in a timely fashion. Our team can work with you to complete this process in good time.
Can I rent out a granny flat?
Yes. Anyone can live in a granny flat including loved ones or people you have entered into a rental agreement with.