Granny Flats rules in Hobart
Building a granny flat in Hobart? City of Hobart applies the Tasmania planning framework. Here's what that means locally — plus the overlays worth checking on your specific block.
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.
Key rules at a glance
| Maximum floor area | 60 m² (90 m² proposed, not yet in force) |
| Planning permit | Often No Permit Required if standards met |
| Services | Must share services with the main dwelling |
| Subdivision | Cannot be separately titled |
| Can it be rented? | Yes |
| Setbacks | Per the zone development standards |
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 Hobart
City of Hobart is the authority for Hobart in Greater Hobart. The statewide Tasmania 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.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need council approval for a granny flat in Hobart?
Often not. Tasmania allows a granny flat to proceed without a full development application when it meets the standards, and City of Hobart follows that framework. But local overlays — heritage, flood or bushfire — can remove the fast-track, so check your exact address before you rely on it.
Which council approves a granny flat in Hobart?
City of Hobart is the consent authority for Hobart (Greater Hobart). You can review local planning controls on the council website and lodge through your state planning portal.
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.
Sources
Related building rules
General guidance only — not professional planning advice. Local requirements in Hobart can differ from the statewide summary and change over time; always confirm with City of Hobart before starting work. Last reviewed: July 2026.
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