Navigating council approvals can be confusing. This guide explains the key terminology, approval pathways by state, and what documentation you will need. We provide the engineering documentation — you work with your local certifier to secure approval. (For US/UK markets, visit our Global Compliance Center).
The process
Before ordering, verify your property's eligibility with your local council. Key items to confirm: lot zoning, minimum lot size for secondary dwellings, setback requirements, site coverage ratios, and any overlay restrictions (bushfire, flood, heritage).
Depending on your state and council, you will either lodge a Development Application (DA) with council, or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) application through a private certifier. CDC is typically faster (10–20 business days vs 3–6 months for DA).
Once approved, site preparation and unit installation can proceed. After installation, a final inspection by a building certifier confirms compliance. An Occupation Certificate (OC) is then issued, making the dwelling legally habitable.
Terminology
These terms come up frequently in approval processes. Understanding the differences helps you communicate effectively with your council and certifier.
The legal planning term for a self-contained dwelling on the same lot as a primary house. This is what councils officially call a "granny flat." Must have its own kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and entrance.
Relevance: Used in NSW (SEPP Housing), QLD (QDC), and most state frameworks.
A dwelling manufactured off-site and transported to the final location. Can be moved again. Often falls under specific planning provisions that differ from permanent structures.
Relevance: Our modular and LGS homes typically qualify as relocatable buildings, which may simplify certain approval pathways.
A dwelling that is wholly or substantially constructed off-site. In some states (NSW), manufactured homes in manufactured home estates have specific regulatory protections under the MH Act.
Relevance: Primarily relevant for caravan parks and manufactured home estates, not typical residential lots.
Under the National Construction Code, a single detached house or one of a group of two or more attached dwellings, each being a building separated by a fire-resisting wall.
Relevance: Secondary dwellings must generally meet NCC Class 1a requirements. Our units are engineered to support this classification.
State comparison
Rules vary significantly between states. This table provides a high-level comparison — always confirm details with your local council as individual council overlays may apply.
Our support
We supply the engineering and architectural documentation your certifier needs for the structural component of your approval. Site-specific items (geotechnical reports, survey, BAL assessment) are arranged by your local professionals.
Architectural floor plans and elevations
Structural engineering calculations
Wind load classification documentation
Material and finish specifications
Foundation design specifications
Assembly and installation manual
Energy efficiency data (for NatHERS if required)
Manufacturer compliance statement
This guide provides general educational information only. Council approval outcomes depend on your specific site conditions, local planning scheme, zoning, overlays, and the certifier's assessment. We provide engineering documentation to support your application, but we cannot guarantee approval outcomes. Always engage with your local council and a qualified town planner or building certifier for project-specific advice.
FAQ
Not always. In NSW, if your property meets the criteria for Complying Development, you can get approval via a private certifier (CDC) without a full DA — typically in 10–20 business days. In QLD, many secondary dwellings qualify for code assessment which also avoids a full DA. In VIC, a planning permit through council is generally required. Always check with your local council first.
A Development Application (DA) is assessed by your local council and can take 3–6 months. A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is assessed by a private certifier against strict criteria and typically takes 10–20 business days. CDC is faster but not all sites or designs qualify — your site must meet specific criteria including zoning, lot size, setbacks, and flood/bushfire overlays.
Our units are engineered to support compliance with the National Construction Code for Class 1a buildings. We provide structural engineering calculations, wind load classifications, and material specifications that your local certifier needs. However, final NCC compliance certification is issued by your building certifier based on the complete installed building including site-specific factors.
In most Australian states, secondary dwellings can be rented out as long as they are properly approved and meet building standards. QLD and NSW are generally permissive. In VIC, "Dependent Person Units" have occupancy restrictions, but full secondary dwellings (where permitted) can generally be rented. Some councils restrict short-stay rentals (Airbnb). Always verify rental permissibility with your council.
We provide: architectural floor plans and elevations, structural engineering calculations, wind load classification, material specifications, foundation design specifications, and a manufacturer compliance statement. These are the core documents your certifier or council will need for the structural component of your application.
Rural and agricultural zoned land often has different (sometimes more relaxed) provisions for worker accommodation, farm dwellings, and ancillary structures. However, the specific rules vary enormously between councils. Some rural zones allow secondary dwellings while others require specific farm management justification. A pre-lodgement inquiry with your council is essential.
Need help?
Share your property address, lot size, and intended use. Our team can provide general guidance on which product configurations are most likely to suit your approval context — and connect you with the right documentation.