The Victorian government will introduce planning reforms that removes restrictions on granny flats across the state.
From December 2023, granny flats under 60 square metres will no longer require a planning permit for properties larger than 300 square metres with no floor or environmental overlays.
Under the current planning rules, granny flats are termed “moveable units” for persons dependent on the resident of the main dwelling, and in some councils, the units must be removed once it is no longer required.
Granny flats will still need a building permit, meet setback and siting requirements of the residential design code, and cannot be subdivided.
The government says the reforms will facilitate multi-generational living. “We know for many Victorians the burden of planning approvals has put building a small second home in the too hard basket,” said premier Jacinta Allan. “We’re making it easier, so families can grow together and have a place to care for loved ones.”
The new reforms bring Victoria more in line with other states, where permanent granny flats have proliferate for years, providing fertile ground for architectural explorations of this dwelling type.
“Small second homes are an important part of our bold planning reforms – as we get on with building 800,000 new homes in Victoria over the next decade – ensuring Victorians can live where they want to live and close to family,” said Victorian planning minister Sonya Kilkenny.
The reforms are part of the government’s Victorian Housing Statement, announced in September 2023, which also includes measures to speed up development approval times, rezone unused land and rebuild outdated public housing towers.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
