Do I Need Floor Plans for a Granny Flat DA?

If you are lodging a development application for a granny flat in New South Wales, floor plans are a mandatory requirement.

They give council planners a clear picture of how the secondary dwelling will be used, laid out and built.

At Town Planning Sydney, we prepare floor plans that meet NSW planning rules and are tailored for faster DA approval.

Here’s what you need to know.

1. Floor plans are a standard requirement for all DAs

Every DA, including one for a granny flat, must include floor plans showing the internal layout of the proposed dwelling.

Without them, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be assessed by council.

2. They must show the layout of all rooms

A granny flat floor plan should clearly label each room, including bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, laundry and living spaces.

This helps council confirm that the building meets minimum size and functional requirements under NSW planning rules.

3. Floor plans should be to scale with dimensions

Council will check your floor plan against size limits for granny flats, typically capped at 60 square metres in most zones.

Your plans should be drawn to scale, usually 1:100, and include accurate dimensions for each room and the total floor area.

4. Access, circulation and doorways must be shown

A good floor plan shows the location of doors, hallways and circulation spaces.

This helps confirm that the granny flat meets access and usability standards. It also demonstrates that the internal layout is practical for future occupants.

5. Services and fixtures should be indicated

Including the position of kitchen benches, bathroom fixtures, laundry appliances and storage makes your plan more complete.

It allows council to verify that all essential amenities are provided in the design.

6. Floor plans should match your site plan and elevations

A common reason for DA approval delays is inconsistency between drawings.

If your floor plan shows a window that is missing from the elevations, council will likely request revisions.

We coordinate all drawings to ensure they are consistent before submission.

7. Quality plans help avoid neighbour objections

Clear, accurate plans make it easier for neighbours to understand your proposal if the DA is placed on public exhibition.

This can reduce misunderstandings and lower the risk of formal objections.

8. A planning consultant can prepare DA-ready plans

Working with a skilled planning consultant ensures your floor plans meet the technical and policy requirements of your local council.

At Town Planning Sydney, we integrate expert planning advice with professional drafting to deliver complete, compliant and approval-ready granny flat plans.