Thinking about adding a granny flat to your property in Victoria? You’re not alone. Whether it’s for aging parents, extra rental income, or simply more living space, granny flats are becoming one of the most in-demand additions for homeowners in Victoria. But before you can break ground, there’s one crucial piece of the puzzle you need to navigate: the permit process. That’s where Everything you need to know about Granny flat permits becomes essential reading.
Victoria’s rules around granny flats, also known as secondary dwellings, have changed significantly over the past few years. Understanding what’s required is the difference between a smooth, compliant build and one riddled with delays or legal headaches.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about securing a granny flat permit in Victoria, with insights tailored for homeowners, property consultants, and anyone thinking about a second dwelling on their block.
Do You Need A Permit For A Granny Flat In Victoria?
Yes, but not always a planning permit. It depends on your site, design, and location.
There are two main types of permits involved:
- Planning permit (managed by your local council)
- Building permit (approved by a private or municipal building surveyor)
The good news? As of recent updates to Victoria’s planning laws, many homeowners can now build a granny flat up to 60m² without requiring a planning permit, provided the dwelling meets specific conditions around zoning, overlays, and use.
However, a building permit is still mandatory in every case. This ensures that your granny flat complies with the Building Code of Australia, including structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, and livability standards.
So while it’s become easier to build granny flats in Victoria, there’s still a clear process to follow.
When Is A Planning Permit Granny Flat In Victoria Required?
Although many properties are exempt, there are still situations where you’ll need to secure a planning permit before building. Common triggers include:
- Your land is affected by an environmental, heritage, bushfire, or flooding overlay
- Your lot is below the minimum size requirement for secondary dwellings (which often varies by council)
- You’re proposing a granny flat larger than 60m²
- You have an existing secondary dwelling or non-compliant structure on the property
- Your design doesn’t meet standard setback or private open space requirements
Each local council in Victoria interprets and enforces planning policy slightly differently. What’s allowed in Werribee might not be permitted in Yarra or Frankston. That’s why it’s important to do more than just Google your address; you need a proper feasibility analysis.
Understanding Second Dwelling Compliance Victoria
Meeting the second dwelling compliance requirements goes beyond simply getting a permit. These regulations ensure your build meets health, safety, and environmental standards, and vary depending on council-specific overlays and zoning policies.
That’s why a professional permit consultant is critical. Even minor design oversights or missing documents can cause your approval to be delayed or rejected.
Navigating second dwelling compliance in Victoria involves a full understanding of:
- Minimum lot sizes
- Site coverage restrictions
- Maximum building heights and setbacks
- NCC (National Construction Code) adherence
- Private open space calculations
These nuances are often underestimated by first-time builders, which is why most homeowners opt for permit specialists who can streamline compliance from start to finish.
The Granny Flat Approval Process: Step by Step
Here’s a simplified version of how most granny flat approvals progress in Victoria:
1. Site Assessment
A property or permit consultant evaluates your land for zoning, overlays, lot size, services, and orientation.
2. Concept & Design
A tailored granny flat layout is drawn based on your lifestyle needs and what’s permissible under council regulations.
3. Planning Application (if required)
This includes architectural plans, site details, and supporting documentation submitted to the council. If no planning permit is needed, you move directly to the next step.
4. Building Permit Preparation
Structural drawings, energy reports, engineering documents, and NCC compliance checks are gathered.
5. Submission to Building Surveyor
Your building permit is lodged through a private certifier for faster turnaround. They may also request council confirmation on ambiguous elements such as site coverage.
6. Revisions (if required)
Any feedback from the council or certifier is addressed, with revised plans submitted accordingly.
7. Final Approval
Once both permits are approved, construction of your granny flat can begin. This process can take anywhere from 3 to 12 weeks, assuming no planning permit is needed.
Why Most Homeowners Seek Permit Support
If you’ve ever tried to decipher zoning maps or get a clear answer from your local council, you know it can be frustrating and confusing. The truth is, even with simplified laws, the permit process is still technical and highly detail-oriented.
That’s where Innovista Group comes in.
We help homeowners and property consultants navigate the full approval process. From planning permit granny flat Victoria assessments to construction-ready documentation, we handle the red tape so your project moves smoothly.
Our Permit Management Services Include:
- Title and property compliance checks
- Identification of permit triggers
- Drafting council-compliant plans
- Communication with planners and certifiers
- Fast-tracked approvals wherever possible
- Compliance assurance through construction
Why Choosing The Right Property Consultant Matters
Not all consultants prioritise compliance. Some builders or designers may give you a quote but leave the permit process entirely up to you, risking costly errors and project delays.
At Innovista Group, we do things differently. Our team focuses exclusively on granny flat Victoria Australia projects, which means we understand the nuances of local council expectations and overlays across Melbourne and regional areas. If you’re currently evaluating your options, it’s worth comparing granny flat builders in Melbourne: what to look for to ensure you’re choosing a partner who understands both compliance and long-term value.
All our designs, particularly the Lana Series, including Lana 43 and Lana 60, are developed with compliance at the core. We even provide extra building surveyor inspections during construction to ensure everything remains up to code.
We don’t just deliver beautiful builds. We hand over legal, efficient, and high-yield secondary dwellings for your block.
How Victoria’s Rules Are Changing
Victoria’s housing framework is shifting to support more compact, affordable homes.
Key changes that benefit granny flat Victoria Australia projects include:
- Exemptions from planning permits for dwellings under 60m²
- Incentives for multi-generational housing
- Greater zoning flexibility for secondary dwellings
- Tax and financial concessions for homeowners building granny flats
These changes open up new opportunities, but only if you navigate them properly with a qualified team.
Final Thoughts: Plan Well, Build Smarter
Getting approval for a granny flat Victoria Australia build doesn’t have to be stressful. It can be the start of a smart, value-adding solution for your family or investment portfolio.
With Innovista Group, you’ll have a dedicated team guiding you from concept through to construction, handling permits, council interactions, and compliance so you don’t have to. Let’s get your project started on the right foot.
Want to add value to your property with a high-spec granny flat? Contact us to find out how.
