Granny Flats rules in Victoria (2026)

Yes. Since December 2023 a small second dwelling of 60 m² or less on a lot over 300 m² needs no planning permit where no triggering overlay applies - you only need a building permit.

Fast-track available

Usually no planning permit needed

Yes. Since December 2023 a small second dwelling of 60 m² or less on a lot over 300 m² needs no planning permit where no triggering overlay applies - you only need a building permit.

Approval pathway: Build under the small second dwelling rules introduced by Amendment VC253: no planning permit if the home is 60 m² or less on a lot over 300 m² with no flood, environmental, heritage or bushfire overlay, though you still lodge for a building permit. On smaller lots or where an overlay applies, a planning permit (often via the fast VicSmart process) is required.

Key rules at a glance

Maximum floor area	60 m² (gross, all storeys)
Minimum lot size	300 m² for the no-permit path
Planning permit	Not required if standards met and no overlays
Building permit	Always required
Setbacks	Per Building Regulations / Clause 54 siting
Subdivision	Cannot be subdivided or sold separately
Can it be rented?	Yes

Conditions & eligibility

Applies to a self-contained dwelling of 60 m² or less on the same lot as an existing home.
No planning permit on lots over 300 m² unless a flood, environmental, heritage or bushfire overlay applies.
A building permit is always required.
Cannot be subdivided or sold separately from the main house.
On lots under 300 m² a planning permit (via VicSmart) is required.

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.

HeritageFloodBushfireEnvironmental

Check your address for overlays →

How approval works in Victoria

Build under the small second dwelling rules introduced by Amendment VC253: no planning permit if the home is 60 m² or less on a lot over 300 m² with no flood, environmental, heritage or bushfire overlay, though you still lodge for a building permit. On smaller lots or where an overlay applies, a planning permit (often via the fast VicSmart process) is required.

Local councils administer the overlays (flood, heritage, bushfire, environmental) that can reintroduce the need for a planning permit.

Granny Flats rules by council in Victoria

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

Casey Wyndham Melbourne Greater Geelong Hume

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a planning permit for a granny flat in Victoria?

Usually no. Since December 2023 a small second dwelling of 60 m² or less on a lot over 300 m² needs no planning permit if there are no flood, environmental, heritage or bushfire overlays, but a building permit is still required.

How big can a granny flat be in Victoria?

Up to 60 m² gross floor area, measured across all storeys from the outside of the external walls.

Can I rent out a small second dwelling in Victoria?

Yes, you can rent it out, but it cannot be subdivided or sold separately from the main house.

Sources

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

Related building rules

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 Victoria before starting work. Last reviewed: July 2026.

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