Granny flats are becoming increasingly popular in Gympie. Since rental restrictions changed in 2022, more landowners have added secondary dwellings to their properties. These dwellings can house family members or provide rental income.
Before you order a kit home or contact a builder, check Gympie Regional Council’s requirements. Choosing the wrong location could turn a simple project into a costly redesign.
What counts as a “secondary dwelling”?
The Gympie Regional Council Planning Scheme 2013 defines a secondary dwelling as a home that supports the main house. Many people commonly call it a granny flat.
You can attach it to the main house, build it underneath or construct it as a freestanding dwelling. Since September 2022, you can also rent it to anyone, not just family members.
Council generally treats secondary dwellings as accepted development in several zones. These include Residential Living, Residential Choice, Character Residential, Tourist Accommodation and Industry Investigation. They also include Rural, Rural Residential and Township zones.
If your project meets all relevant conditions, you usually will not need planning approval. However, you will still need building and plumbing permits. If your project does not meet the conditions, you may need a material change of use application.
The rule that catches people out: the 20-metre limit
Council requires you to place the secondary dwelling within 20 metres of the primary dwelling’s outermost projection. This measurement includes an integrated garage. You also cannot place the secondary dwelling in front of the main house.
This requirement rarely causes problems on a small suburban block. However, the available space can disappear quickly on acreage and rural residential properties. Existing sheds, dams and sloping land can all limit your options.
A survey can help you choose a suitable location. It identifies the outermost point of your primary dwelling and confirms your property boundaries. It can also identify easements and setback requirements.
Confirm these details before you choose the building site. Do not estimate the distance by eye or rely on an old title plan. An incorrect measurement could leave you with a slab in the wrong location.
Other requirements to check
- Size: Council caps the gross floor area at 70m². The secondary dwelling must also remain visibly smaller than the main house.
- Access: The secondary dwelling must share the existing driveway. You cannot add a separate crossover.
- Services: Both dwellings share telecommunications, power and rubbish collection services. However, the secondary dwelling requires a separate water meter.
- Subdivision: You cannot create a separate title for the secondary dwelling or sell it independently.
- Character Residential Zone: The zone code includes additional requirements. Check them before you begin the design process.
Council does not apply infrastructure charges to secondary dwellings. This can help offset the cost of arranging an accurate survey.
Why a survey should be your first call, not your last
Many granny flat projects begin with a floor plan. Later, the owners discover problems with setbacks or council requirements. Reversing this process can save you time and money.
A boundary survey confirms the exact location of your property boundaries. This information helps you calculate setbacks and avoid encroaching on a neighbouring property.
A construction survey then marks the exact building footprint on your property. It also confirms the required levels. Your builder or certifier can use these reference points to prepare plans and begin work with confidence.
Sloping and rural blocks often require additional checks. We can identify drainage features, easements and existing structures that may affect the proposed location. A desktop assessment can easily miss these important details.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need council approval for a granny flat in Gympie?
Not always. You may only need building and plumbing permits if your project meets all accepted development requirements. These requirements cover the zone, distance, floor area, access and building location.
If your project does not meet one or more requirements, Council may require a material change of use application.
Can I rent my granny flat separately?
Yes. The Planning Regulation changed on 26 September 2022. You can now lease the primary and secondary dwellings independently.
Can I subdivide and sell the granny flat separately?
No. You cannot create a separate title for a secondary dwelling or sell it separately from the main property.
How do I know whether my block can fit a compliant granny flat?
A site survey offers the most reliable answer. It confirms your boundaries and identifies the primary dwelling’s outermost point. It also shows whether your preferred location meets the 20-metre requirement.
Arrange the survey before you finalise the design. This can help you avoid expensive changes later.
Get your site checked before you build
Every block presents different conditions. Your home’s shape, the slope of the land and existing structures can all affect the 20-metre measurement.
If you’re planning a secondary dwelling in the Gympie region, get in touch. We’ll confirm your boundaries and help you choose a suitable location before you spend money on the design.