09/06/2026
Let's talk about the government approved 70m2 granny flat rules.
Basically what it promised.
Less red tape
No consent required
What it delivered.
More red tape
More expensive then getting a consent.
Our journey.
I had a long time client in Langs Beach approach me in regards to removing an old garage and building a new sleepout, same place on the property and same footprint as the garage. Garage was dated, leaking and required alot of work to rebuild.
I originally was going to do this without a consent but as a licensed builder I can be fined up to $ 200,000 and lose my license.
So I asked a mate of mine , MHB design, to do some plans and tried the 70m2 granny flat rule. On initial investigations everything looked straight forward.
Obtained a PIM from council
Got a surveyor to survey the boundary
Plans $5000
PIM $450
Surveyor $2800
Council said yes it goes under the new granny flat rules but you will pay a development contribution of between $15000 and $25000 also your rates will get reviewed for improvements and an increase in rates will apply.. and we would need a geotech and possible structural engineer for the floor.
Well , we all thought nah. Not worth it.
As we had plans already done ,a PIM and Surveyor, we may as well go for consent
First was to add more info to plans
Get a geotech to see if a concrete foor was ok and it met the Code for a rib raft floor . All ok. No engineer required.
Plans $6500
Pim $ 450
Surveyor $ 2800
Geotech $ 3200
Council $ 5250
Final verdict, I will let you be the judge of all this. I personally think its a failed peice of legislation. If they got rid of the development contribution it would be worth it.
Client is happy we went down this road and will have a lovely sleeout for the extended family on long weekends and xmas holidays. Im looking forward to doing this one , as we have been doing some big projects and this one just seams nice n easy. A good break , for the moment. Although they have some interior decorating ideas that may surprise me.. hmmm.
