Curious If You Need a Permit to Build a Granny Flat?

April 9, 2024

Granny flats have gained popularity for various reasons, including providing additional living space for family members, generating rental income, an Airbnb listing, or simply adding value to the property.

"Do you need a permit to build a granny flat?" is a common question among homeowners considering an accessory dwelling unit like a granny flat.

Whether you're considering building a granny flat for personal use or as an investment opportunity, knowing if you need a permit for a granny flat is crucial to ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations. In this blog post, discover the ins and outs of granny flat permits to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity.

A living room with a couch , chair and coffee table

Do You Need Permit For Granny Flat?

Local regulations often dictate the answer to the question, "Do you need a permit for a granny flat?"

Constructing a granny flat in Western Australia will no longer require a planning permit (planning approval) as long as it complies with the requirements set forth by the government. However, it's crucial to note that while a planning permit might not be necessary, other approvals may still be required by your local councils. Therefore, the question "Do you need a permit to build a granny flat?" should be accompanied by a thorough investigation into the specific requirements of your area.

By thoroughly researching and understanding the local requirements before commencing construction, you can avoid potential headaches and ensure a smoother building process. Moreover, consulting with your local council or hiring a professional granny flat contractor who is familiar with the complexities of local building regulations can provide invaluable guidance.

Importance of Knowing If You Need a Granny Flat Building Permit

Here are some critical reasons why knowing whether you need a permit for your granny flat is of utmost importance.

Legal Consequences

Building without the necessary permits can have severe legal repercussions. You might face fines, stop-work orders, or even legal action from local authorities.

Safety Concerns

Permits ensure that construction projects meet safety standards outlined in building codes. By bypassing permits, you risk compromising the structural integrity of your granny flat, potentially putting occupants at risk.

Insurance Implications

Insurance companies often require proof of compliance with local regulations to provide coverage. In the event of damage or accidents related to the unpermitted structure, you may find yourself without financial protection.

Property Devaluation

When it comes time to sell your property, prospective buyers may be deterred by the lack of proper documentation, leading to difficulties in finalising the sale. Moreover, financial institutions may be hesitant to provide financing for properties with unpermitted structures.

Neighbourhood Relation

Constructing a granny flat without permits could strain relationships with neighbours. They may file complaints with local authorities, leading to investigations and potential enforcement actions.

Required Granny Flat Building Permit

Before embarking on the granny flat construction journey, it's crucial to understand the permits necessary to ensure a smooth and legally compliant building process. The required permits may vary from state to state, but here are the basic permits and their significance:

Planning Approval

Planning approval, also known as development approval (DA) or zoning approval, is the first step in the process of building a granny flat. This permit ensures that your proposed granny flat complies with local planning regulations and land use policies. Here's what it involves:

A. Zoning Regulations

Local authorities have zoning regulations that dictate what types of structures can be built in specific areas. Granny flats may have specific zoning requirements, such as being built within residential zones.

B. Site Coverage and Setbacks

Planning approval considers factors like site coverage (the proportion of land covered by buildings) and setbacks (the distance between the granny flat and the property boundaries or other structures).

C. Design

Some councils have design guidelines to maintain the appeal of neighbourhoods. Planning approval ensures that your granny flat design aligns with these guidelines.

D. Environmental Considerations

In environmentally sensitive areas, such as flood-prone zones or areas with significant vegetation, planning approval may require additional assessments to mitigate environmental impacts.

E. Traffic Pattern

Traffic patterns are considered in planning approval to assess the potential impact of increased vehicular movement associated with the construction of a granny flat on the surrounding road network and to mitigate any resulting congestion or safety concerns.

Following reforms to address the housing crisis, homeowners in Western Australia are no longer required to obtain planning approval for constructing a granny flat on any size block. However, it is still recommended to inquire with your local council for complete guidance.

Building Approval

Building approval focuses on the structural integrity and safety of the granny flat. It ensures that the construction complies with building codes and standards.

Here's what it entails:

A. Structural Integrity

Building approval assesses the structural aspects of the granny flat, including the foundation, framing, roofing, and other components, to ensure they meet safety standards.

B. Electrical and Plumbing Compliance

The approval process includes verification that electrical and plumbing installations comply with relevant codes and regulations to ensure safety and functionality.

C. Accessibility

Building approval considers accessibility features, such as ramps and door widths, to ensure compliance with disability access standards.

D. Energy Efficiency

Some jurisdictions require compliance with energy efficiency standards to minimise environmental impact and reduce energy consumption.

Granny Flat Building Permit: Worry No More!

At Prestige Renovations, we understand the importance of ensuring a smooth and hassle-free building process. That's why we ensure our clients worry-free granny flat construction by securing the required granny flat building permit prior to the commencement of the project.

We take the burden off your shoulders, providing you with peace of mind.

Our team of experts is well-versed in local regulations and necessary building codes. By entrusting us with your granny flat construction or other construction needs like extensions and custom homes, you can rest assured that your project will be in capable hands.

Reach out to us today to begin your hassle-free granny flat construction journey!

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What Is a Granny Flat? Full Guide for Australian Homeowners

October 27, 2025

Granny flats are no longer just for grandparents. Across Australia, they’re being built as rental units, guest accommodation, or smart add-ons for multigenerational families. Climbing property prices and limited housing supply have made granny flats an attractive option for homeowners seeking flexibility and extra income. Before you build, there are legal and planning steps to navigate. Each state has its own council rules, and the approval process can feel overwhelming. Prestige Homes & Granny Flats provides practical guidance on paperwork, design, and construction, keeping your project organised and on track from the start. Before you start asking what granny flats are and how to build one, remember there are legal and planning steps to navigate. Each state has its own council rules, and the approval process can feel overwhelming. Prestige Homes & Granny Flats provides practical guidance on paperwork, design, and construction, keeping your project organised and on track from the start. What are Granny Flats? So what is a granny flat? The answer is simple. It’s a small, self-contained home built on the same block as a main residence. Think of it as a compact version of a regular house, usually including a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and one or two bedrooms. Most states cap their size at around 60 m², though exact limits vary. In Queensland, they’re often called “secondary dwellings,” while in Victoria, you’ll hear “dependent person’s unit.” No matter the name, the idea is the same: extra living space with independence built in. What Are Granny Flats Called in Perth? Across Perth and the wider WA region, granny flats are formally classified as “ancillary dwellings” under local council planning regulations. They’re permitted on most residential-zoned blocks that meet the minimum land size, with a maximum floor area of up to 70 m². A major difference in WA is who can occupy them. Since 2015, Perth’s rules have allowed ancillary dwellings to be rented to non-family members, giving homeowners more flexibility for rental income or family use. Councils such as the City of Perth, City of Stirling, and City of Joondalup apply these state planning guidelines, though it’s always worth checking your local council’s requirements before starting. In Perth, granny flats can take several forms. They may be built as a detached unit, joined to the main house, or created by converting existing structures like garages. This flexibility makes them an appealing way to add space, boost property value, or create rental income without leaving your current suburb. What Is Granny Flat: Legal and Planning Rules You Need to Know To fully understand what granny flats are, you also need to follow council regulations that vary from state to state. Zoning and Land Use Your block must be in the correct residential zone to allow an ancillary dwelling. Perth councils set these rules, so it’s important to confirm land use requirements before drawing up plans. Size Limits & Design In most parts of Australia, granny flats are limited to 60 m². In Perth and wider WA, ancillary dwellings can be up to 70 m², provided they meet council design codes for height, setbacks, and appearance. Approval Processes Some states require both planning and building permits, while others fast-track approval if certain criteria are met. In WA, approvals generally move faster when plans follow the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) . Rental & Occupancy Rules Unlike some states, Perth homeowners can lease ancillary dwellings to non-family members. Since the 2015 policy change, this flexibility has allowed granny flats to serve as either rental income properties or extra family space.

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