Changes to Granny Flats

Caloundra Secondary Dwelling - DraftRoom

Sunshine Coast Council is adopting the proposed changes to the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 that involve regulations around Secondary Dwellings (Granny Flats).

Any new secondary dwelling will be able to be rented to anyone, regardless of whether they are related to the occupants of the primary dwelling. This means more options for renters, and provides the opportunity for owners to receive additional income from renting their secondary dwelling.

For any new Secondary Dwelling, you will still need to speak with your Council to understand if you need Development Approval for a Secondary Dwelling as this has not changed.

Any new secondary dwelling will still require building approval.

What does this mean for my existing Granny Flat?

If you have an existing lawful Secondary Dwelling (Granny Flat) that did not need planning approval, or the planning approval for the Secondary Dwelling does not contain conditions about occupancy, it can now be rented out.

In circumstances where your development approval contains conditions that restrict its occupancy, you may need to speak to a Town Planner to make a ‘Change Application’ to change to the existing conditions.

Before you rent out your Secondary Dwelling, you will need to check if additional building works are required to be undertaken that need a building approval, particularly in relation to fire safety.

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