SKETCHI Architects Sunshine Coast

A recent change in regulations regarding granny flats in Queensland, means that homeowners can now rent out their granny flat to anyone, regardless of their relationship with the tenant. The measure aims to alleviate the pressure on the rental market. This provides a great opportunity for homeowners to generate an extra income, while opening up more housing options for renters.

The regulations regarding size of the granny flat, parking requirements and position on the block, vary from Council to Council. We have developed a range of simple quick guides that outline the current rules in the Moreton Bay, Somerset, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Gympie and Gladstone Council areas. They also describe the steps to take to get your granny flat built, and give an indication of expected costs.

Granny flats offer several benefits beyond just additional income. They can provide a comfortable living space for elderly parents, adult children, or guests, while still allowing them to maintain their independence and privacy. Additionally, granny flats can increase the value of your property and offer more flexibility in terms of living arrangements.
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At SKETCHI Architects, we can help you with your granny flat plans. We can advise on what’s possible, design you a house that fits your site and budget and help you get started with a local builder.
 

In Queensland, a Building Approval is required for nearly any kind of construction work. The objective of the approval process is to ensure all works meet the various regulations. Construction projects in Queensland must comply with regulations at the federal, state, and local levels:

• Federal regulations include the National Construction Code (NCC), formerly known as the Building Code. The NCC is Australia’s primary set of technical design and construction provisions for buildings. As a performance-based code, it sets the minimum required level for the safety, health, amenity, accessibility and sustainability of buildings.
• State regulations include the Queensland Development Code which covers Queensland matters that are outside the scope of, and in addition to, the National Construction Code. It contains default standards about the positioning of houses, carports and sheds on urban and suburban lots.
• Local regulations include the provisions of the Planning Scheme, which is different for each Council (LGA). The Planning Scheme can cover building heights, setback requirements, building size, appearance etc.

Private certifiers are responsible for reviewing and processing Building Approval applications. They ensure that all proposed works comply with the relevant regulations. The certifier will lodge the application with Council, but Council don’t usually play an active role in the approval process.
However, Council will get involved if a design does not meet all the requirements from the Planning Scheme. In that case, the certifier will lodge a relaxation request which Council will review and decide on. This is called a Concurrence agency referral.

In order for certifiers to assess whether a design is compliant, they will need sufficient documentation to base their assessment on. As a minimum, any application will include:

• Architectural design plans
• Structural engineering plans
• A soil test report

The conditions on site can trigger the need for further supporting documents, such as:

• An effluent disposal report (relating to wastewater treatment), if a site is not connected to a sewage system and reticulated water; this is usually the case on blocks in the Rural and Rural Residential zones.
• A slope stability report, if the design is being built on sloping terrain (15% and steeper).
• A bushfire report, if the site has a bushfire overlay.
• An environmental report, if large parts of the site need to be cleared of sensitive or native vegetation.
• A flood search document, for sites with a flood overlay; the flood search document determines the minimum construction level for the development.

The final step for most Building Approval applications is the engagement of a builder. Once the plans and reports have been assessed, a construction contract has been signed and contributions to QLeave and QBCC insurance have been paid, the certifier will be able to issue the Approval.
The amounts payable for QLeave and QBCC insurance will depend on the construction costs. More information on that can be found via this link.