Hi, I would like to seek some advice regarding a house I recently purchased in Padstow, 3 bed, 2 bath,1 garage which has been converted into 1bedroom teenage retreat (1living, 1 bed and 1 shower toilet (small sink in the living room with small rangehood but no stove). This teenage retreat has no council approval.
It seems it fullfilled the standard requirment of the 2.4m height and the 900mm both side and back gap, the access to the garage is from the side of the property only (Corner block 544sqm). Questions:
1.I understand that conductiong private certifier would be much easier, how can I get Private certifier? I meant what exactly business category this private certifier is in? And once they certify it, how can I use it to gain council?s approval?
2. Should I get into council approval process, Would it be possible to convert it into 2 bed granny flat?
3.. What?s the difference between teenage retreat and granny flat from council?s perspective? is the kitchen the difference between those two? My teenage retreat has shower and toilet, can it still be considered as teenage retreat? IF I keep it as a teenage retreat, Do I need to obtain council approval (As there are plumbing and drainage installed)?
Thanks so much,
Here are my concerns for a teenage retreat that is not council approved, and trying to get it approved:
1. You can go to council to get the retreat approved.
2. if you want to rent the retreat out separately, you need further approval via SEPP as secondary dwelling aka granny flat.
3. you can nominate either Council or Private Certify as your Principle Certify Authority (PCA)
4. Going council may take longer process for the approval,.
5. If not council approved, it means you need certify or show prove of the following BEFORE it can be approved as a retreat:
a. wet area proofing to bathroom
b. termite
c. engineering certificate for concrete floor.
d. basix certificate, meaning insulation, water, lighting,
often the above requirement add some considerable cost. you need the above to get Occupancy Certificate.
Getting an OC, doesn't mean you can automatically rent the retreat to another unrelated person. It means you can put your friends/relative sleeping there. You need the retreat approved under SEPP as seondary dwelling/GF.. For this to happen you need to pay Council S94 contribution fee
If you dont have any approval paperwork in council archive, I would assume previous owner put at own will.