Granny flat rules in Canberra
ACT Government (Territory Plan) assesses these under the Australian Capital Territory rules below. Heritage, flood or bushfire mapping on your own lot can change what you need to apply for.
Allowed, but usually needs approval
Yes. A secondary residence of between 40 m² and 90 m² is allowed under the Territory Plan. It normally needs development approval, can be rented on the open market, but cannot be separately titled.
Key rules at a glance
| Maximum floor area | 90 m² (minimum 40 m²) |
| Separate title | Not permitted (dual occupancy required) |
| Approval type | Development approval typically required |
| Can it be rented? | Yes - on the open market |
| Occupancy restriction | Removed - need not be related |
| Zones | Residential zones (RZ1 to RZ5) |
Heritage, flood and bushfire controls on your specific lot can remove the fast-track and require a full application, even when the general rules say you're fine.
Granny flats in Canberra
ACT Government (Territory Plan) is the authority for Canberra in Australian Capital Territory. The statewide Australian Capital Territory rules above set the baseline; the council can apply extra local controls, and heritage, flood or bushfire overlays on your lot can change what's allowed.
Visit ACT Government (Territory Plan) ↗ Full Australian Capital Territory rules →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need council approval for a granny flat in Canberra?
Usually yes. In Australian Capital Territory, a granny flat generally needs an application, and ACT Government (Territory Plan) is the authority that assesses it. See the full state rules for the pathway and what's required.
Which council approves a granny flat in Canberra?
ACT Government (Territory Plan) is the consent authority for Canberra (Australian Capital Territory). You can review local planning controls on the council website and lodge through your state planning portal.
How big can a secondary residence be in the ACT?
Between 40 m² and 90 m² of gross floor area under the Territory Plan.
Sources
Related building rules
General guidance only. Not professional planning advice. Local requirements in Canberra can differ from the statewide summary and change over time; always confirm with ACT Government (Territory Plan) before starting work. Last reviewed: July 2026.
Talk to a town planner in Canberra
This page covers the general rules. A qualified town planner can tell you what applies to your block, including the zone, overlays and approval path, before you spend money on drawings.
- Qualified, practising town planners
- Advice specific to your property
- Free, with no obligation