Granny Flats rules in Tasmania (2026)

Yes. A secondary residence of up to 60 m² is allowed on a lot where a house is permitted, and it can often be built with No Permit Required if it meets the development standards.

Fast-track available

Often No Permit Required

Yes. A secondary residence of up to 60 m² is allowed on a lot where a house is permitted, and it can often be built with No Permit Required if it meets the development standards.

Approval pathway: If your zone permits a single dwelling and the secondary residence meets the development standards under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, it can be No Permit Required; otherwise a planning permit is lodged with council. A building approval is separate.

Key rules at a glance

Maximum floor area60 m² (90 m² proposed, not yet in force)
Planning permitOften No Permit Required if standards met
ServicesMust share services with the main dwelling
SubdivisionCannot be separately titled
Can it be rented?Yes
SetbacksPer the zone development standards

Conditions & eligibility

  • The zone must allow a single dwelling on the lot.
  • Current maximum floor area is 60 m².
  • Must share reticulated services (power, water, sewer) with the main dwelling.
  • Cannot be subdivided onto a separate title.
  • A 2026 amendment proposing a 90 m² cap is out for consultation but not yet in force.
Overlays can change your eligibility

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.

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Check your address for overlays →

How approval works in Tasmania

If your zone permits a single dwelling and the secondary residence meets the development standards under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, it can be No Permit Required; otherwise a planning permit is lodged with council. A building approval is separate.

Councils administer the Local Provisions Schedule and zone standards under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme, which can affect siting and whether a permit is triggered.

Granny Flats rules by council in Tasmania

Local councils apply the Tasmania framework and can add their own controls. Pick your council:

Frequently asked questions

How big can a granny flat be in Tasmania?

Currently up to 60 m². A 2026 amendment to increase the cap to 90 m² is out for consultation but not yet in force.

Do I need a permit for a secondary residence in Tasmania?

Not necessarily. If your zone allows a single dwelling and the design meets the secondary residence standards, it can be No Permit Required.

Can I rent out a granny flat in Tasmania?

Yes, a secondary residence can be rented, but it must share services with the main house and cannot be subdivided onto its own title.

Sources

Last reviewed: July 2026. Rules can change — verify with your council before starting work.

This is general guidance, not professional planning advice. Figures are summarised from the sources above and can change — confirm with your council or the Planning in Tasmania before starting work. Last reviewed: July 2026.

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