Secondary Dwellings

Often referred to as a granny flat, a secondary dwelling is a self-contained class 1A building, additional to the primarily dwelling on the same lot. Secondary dwellings are constructed and used in conjunction with, and subordinate to, the primary dwelling house.

Under the Tablelands Regional Council Planning Scheme 2016, a secondary dwelling is:

Dwelling house means a residential use of premises involving:

  • one dwelling for a single household and any domestic outbuildings associated with the dwelling or
  • one dwelling for a single household, a secondary dwelling and any domestic outbuildings associated with either dwelling.

Development Permits

Within the planning scheme, the tables of assessment determine the category of assessment for the development, which is subject to the type of development proposed, its location and the zone category of that location. For dwelling house developments the categories of assessment will be:

  • accepted development (subject to requirements) or
  • assessable development (code assessment or impact assessment).

The tables of assessment will also highlight the assessment benchmarks for assessable development that are set out in the zone, applicable local plan, overlays and development codes.

For accepted development (subject to requirements), a secondary dwelling must comply with the acceptable outcomes of 9.3.8 Dwelling House Code, along with the following codes applicable to the location of the proposed development.

Rural Zone

  • Rural Zone Code
  • Parking and Access Code
  • Works, Services and Infrastructure Code
  • any applicable local plan and overlay code

Rural Residential Zone

  • Rural Residential Zone Code
  • Parking and Access Coded
  • Works, Services and Infrastructure Code
  • any applicable local plan and overlay code.

Emerging Communities Zone

  • Emerging Communities Zone Code
  • Parking and Access Code
  • Works, Services and Infrastructure Code
  • any applicable local plan and overlay code.

Low-Density Residential Zone

  • Low-density Residential Zone Code
  • Parking and Access Code
  • Works, Services and Infrastructure Code
  • any applicable local plan and overlay code.

Medium-density Residential Zone

  • Medium-density Residential Zone Code
  • any applicable local plan and overlay code.

Industry Zone (Kairi Industrial Zone)

  • Industry Zone Code
  • Landscaping Code
  • Parking and Access Code
  • Works, Services and Infrastructure Code
  • any applicable local plan and overlay code.

If a proposed secondary dwelling design complies with all applicable acceptable outcomes, the proposal does not require a development permit and a building certifier may provide building approval.

If the design does not satisfy the acceptable outcomes, the proposal becomes assessable development and a development application for a material change of use is required, and fees apply.

Zones, Local Plan & Overlay Codes

Our Planning Scheme Interactive Mapping is a general reference to identify the zoning of your property and local plan precinct and overlays e.g. bushfire and flood zones. If an overlay covers all or part of your property, that code applies to the proposed development.

Renting Secondary Dwellings

A secondary dwelling can be rented to anyone. This offers greater flexibility for renters and enables property owners to generate additional income.

Fees & Charges

Fees and charges apply if a development application is required. Infrastructure charges may also be levied as part of the development assessment process. Charges are calculated under the Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution No 1 Of 2019. Charges may be reduced where the premises are not connected to our reticulated supply or by existing development having occurred on the premises.