Secondary Dwellings (Granny Flats) - Separation

[twodogs]

A question for the drafties and planners please - when putting a detached granny flat on a lot, what is the minimum separation from the existing house? I guess having windows or not, cladding etc would effect the distance but what are the basics?
Thanks

 

[marg4000]

This is a question for your local council - different areas may have different requirements.
Marg

 

[Rockstar]

There would be no min I would say as long as you don't go disturbing or undermining/waekening footings on the existing house by closely positioned retaining walls, etc. I have seen fully detatched duplex houses in my shire about 1500 apart with the gutters nearly overlapping.

 

[twodogs]

The granny flat code from NSW Planning requires the buildings to conform to BCA. Class 1A buildings have separation requirments based on fire rating and distance, but does a GF next to a house classify as another class 1a or not is where I am stuck. Local council regs govern side boundry setbacks etc, but this I think is more a BCA issue. Thanks for ideas anyhow.

 

[Rockstar]

The local council planners will tell you as they are the ones approving - and they will know the code. Go talk with the duty planner, at least - I always try to go to the head planner if possible.

 

[twodogs]

The local council planners will tell you as they are the ones approving - and they will know the code. Go talk with the duty planner, at least - I always try to go to the head planner if possible.

Good points, but working towards compiling development with this one and no Council.