Ensure Compliance with new Small Second Dwelling (Granny Flat) Regulations with a Building Permit

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Building a Small Second Dwelling (Granny Flat) in Victoria? Understanding the New Rules

Thinking of adding a small second dwelling to your property in Victoria? Recent changes to the legislation might make the process easier. CODEHQ, your trusted building surveying partner, is here to guide you through the requirements.

Planning Permits vs. Building Permits: What's Changed?

While obtaining a planning permit is no longer mandatory in most cases for small second dwellings, a building permit is still crucial. This means you can skip certain bureaucratic hurdles, but safety and construction standards remain paramount.

Qualifying as a Small Second Dwelling:

  • Size: The total floor area must be 60 square metres or less.
  • Self-contained: It must have its own kitchen, bathroom, toilet, and laundry facilities.
  • No separate title: It cannot be subdivided and sold separately from the main dwelling.
  • No gas connection: Connection to the reticulated natural gas supply is not permitted.
  • Other restrictions: Minimum garden area and siting requirements as per regulations apply.

Steps to Obtaining a Building Permit:

  1. Engage a Registered Building Surveyor: CODEHQ can assist you with the entire process, ensuring your project meets all building regulations.
  2. Plans and Specifications: Once your building designer has prepared your plans, we will work with you to ensure your plans and specifications for your small second dwelling comply with all relevant legislation.
  3. Building Permit Application: We'll guide you through the application process and ensure you have all necessary documentation.
  4. Inspections: Once the building permit is granted, we will coordinate with registered inspectors throughout the construction phase to ensure compliance with building codes.

Benefits of Using CODEHQ:

  • Expertise: We navigate the complexities of building regulations and ensure your project adheres to all safety and quality standards.
  • Streamlined Process: We've developed an easy to follow and efficient application process, saving you time and effort.
  • Peace of Mind: Our guidance guarantees a smooth building experience and protects your investment.

Useful links:

Ready to Build Your Small Second Dwelling (Granny Flat)?

Get in touch CODEHQ today. We'll answer your questions, assess your project's feasibility, and provide expert advice to turn your vision into a reality.


Please submit your contact details and specifics of your project to receive a response from one of our staff. For most quotes, please allow up to 24 hours for a response. Larger projects are typically processed within 48 hours.



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“I have worked with Code HQ for over a decade. In my job I have to liaise with the Building Surveyors on behalf of our clients. We have always found them to be trustworthy, reliable and responsive. They are transparent and give excellent value, without compromising on quality. I recently needed to obtain a building permit for my own project and found that this was delivered seamlessly and in a time frame that was far quicker than I'd expected. Would definitely recommend.”

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