Can I Build a Granny Flat Above a Garage in NSW?

Building a granny flat above a garage is becoming increasingly popular in NSW. It’s a smart way to maximise space on tight residential blocks while providing additional income or living arrangements.

However, getting council approval for this type of development is not always straightforward. You need to understand how NSW planning rules apply to secondary dwellings, and how a town planner in NSW can help you navigate them.

Under the NSW planning framework, a granny flat is considered a secondary dwelling. These are allowed in many residential zones, but design and placement are tightly controlled.

If you're planning to build above a garage, you'll need to check the local Development Control Plan (DCP) for height limits, floor space ratios and setback requirements.

A town planner can interpret these controls and help determine feasibility.

A common challenge with granny flats over garages is building height. Most local councils restrict secondary dwellings to a maximum height of 8.5 metres. If your design exceeds this, you may need to submit a Clause 4.6 variation request.

This is a detailed justification that shows why your development should be approved despite breaching the standard.

Getting expert help with Clause 4.6 variation request NSW is crucial, as poorly written requests are often rejected.

A planning consultant experienced in NSW town planning can prepare a strong argument supported by planning merit.

To get DA approval for a granny flat above a garage, you’ll need to lodge a full development application. This includes site plans, architectural drawings, and several supporting documents.

These often include a statement of environmental effects for NSW DA, and in some areas, a heritage impact statement if your property is in a heritage conservation area.

A town planner NSW can coordinate all these documents and manage your council submission for secondary dwelling NSW efficiently.

Clients often ask, “Can I skip the DA and go straight to a CDC?” In many cases, the answer is no.

If the granny flat is above a garage, it often fails the Complying Development criteria due to height or setback variations.

A DA through your local council is usually required. Seeking planning advice early helps avoid delays.

Town planning services for residential development NSW are specifically tailored to guide you through these steps.

If you're unsure how to get a DA approved in NSW, your best option is to consult a planning consultant who understands local policies and codes.

In some cases, this type of development may trigger dual occupancy rules, depending on the layout and separate access. It’s important to get planning advice for dual occupancy NSW to ensure your proposal doesn’t accidentally fall into a more complex development category.

For example, if you plan to rent out both the main dwelling and the granny flat separately, your local council may treat the proposal differently.

A planning permit NSW may be needed, and your town planner can assist in clarifying the use and recommending adjustments if needed.

Finally, subdivision is not allowed for secondary dwellings in most residential zones.

However, if your long-term plan includes subdividing, speak with a NSW town planning consultant for subdivision approval to understand your future options.

Every council has different policies, and early planning advice can save you time and money later.

Whether you're a homeowner or developer, building regulations NSW can be complex. An experienced town planner NSW is your best resource for ensuring compliance, reducing delays, and improving your chance of council approval.