Secure Your Second Small Dwelling (Granny Flat) Building Permits
Thinking about a granny flat in Victoria? Recent reforms mean a planning permit is no longer required in most cases, but a building permit is always mandatory. Code HQ guides you through the requirements from plans to final inspection.
What counts as a small second dwelling
A small second dwelling, commonly called a granny flat, must meet all of the following to qualify under Victoria's rules and be treated as a Class 1a building, the same classification as a house.
60m² or less
Total gross floor area must be 60 square metres or less, measured to the outside face of external walls.
Fully self-contained
Must include its own kitchen, bathroom, toilet and laundry facilities.
No separate title
Cannot be subdivided or sold separately from the main dwelling on the lot.
No gas connection
Cannot connect to the reticulated natural gas supply under current rules.
Garden area & siting
Minimum garden area and siting rules apply across the whole allotment, not just the dwelling footprint.
Same lot as existing home
Must sit on a lot with one existing house, which cannot itself be a small second dwelling.
HOW IT WORKS
From application to small second dwelling building permit in three steps
We make the process straightforward and tell you exactly what is needed at each stage.
Apply
Complete our application form with your project details, plans and documentation. We confirm exactly what is required for your scope.
We Assess / Request For Information
We review your application against building codes and standards. If we need more information, we'll send an RFI.
Issue
Once approved, your deck building permit is issued and you're ready to build.
CLEAR PRICING
Transparent pricing, no delays
- Every quote breaks down the cost of your small second dwelling permit and inspections.
- You know the full cost before you commit, with no hidden charges along the way.
- Fees are tailored to your project size and scope, not a one-size-fits-all rate.
Ready to start your granny flat building permit?
Tell us about your small second dwelling project and we will prepare a no-obligation fee proposal.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Granny Flat Building Permit FAQs
Do granny flats need a building permit in Victoria?
Yes. A building permit is always required for a small second dwelling, even where a planning permit is not. It confirms your build complies with the Building Regulations 2018, the National Construction Code, structural safety, energy efficiency and health and amenity provisions.
Do I need a planning permit as well?
In many cases no. Recent reforms mean a planning permit is generally not required in most residential zones for dwellings under 60m², though this depends on your lot size, zoning and any overlays such as heritage, bushfire or flood controls. We recommend checking your specific property before proceeding.
Can I connect my granny flat to gas?
No. Small second dwellings cannot be connected to the reticulated natural gas supply. Most projects use electric hot water, induction cooking and all-electric appliances instead.
How is the 60m² limit measured?
The 60m² gross floor area includes all roofed and enclosed living areas, measured from the outside face of external walls or the centreline of shared walls. This often catches homeowners out if they only calculate internal living space.
WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE CODE HQ
Trusted by Victorian builders and owners
Our business has been using CodeHQ for all of our Building Permit requirements for many years now and their service has always been efficient and helpful.
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Code Hq and team is top notch in providing excellent customer service for Building permit Consultancy.
We engaged Code hq Surveyors for our home building permit, they were super timely in completing the required work.
They are super professional, prompt, and clear in communication. While they are strict about the compliance and supporting documentation, but they always go above and beyond to help their clients . inspector Dean have been fantastic to communicate and deal with always give you call to discuss any issues.We will defiantly use them for all our future projects. highly recommended.
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We have used CODE HQ formally known as Nicholson Write for quite some years and we could not be happier with their service. Pat, Jim and their team go above and beyond and we would recommend this company to all whom wish to deal with diligent and reliable building surveyors. We have recently lodged and successfully obtained a building permit with the great assistance of Azhar with whom the process was very smooth. He gave us the time we requested and helped us tremendously. Once again thank you to CODE HQ and the team. Five Stars!!!
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Start your granny flat building permit application today!
Get a clear, no-obligation quote from registered building surveyors.
✓ No-obligation quote ✓ Fast turnaround
✓ Registered Building Surveyors
RESOURCES
Building permit guides
Form Downloads
Click below to download PDF's
- Application Checklist
- Application Form
- Letter of Appointment
- Application for Occupancy Permit
- Protection Works Pack
Application Checklists
Click below to download PDF's
