Granny Flats rules in Melbourne

Building a granny flat in Melbourne? City of Melbourne applies the Victoria planning framework. Here's what that means locally — plus the overlays worth checking on your specific block.

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.

Melbourne: assessed by City of Melbourne under the Victoria rules below.

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

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 →

Granny flats in Melbourne

City of Melbourne is the authority for Melbourne in Inner Melbourne. The statewide Victoria 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 City of Melbourne ↗ Full Victoria rules →

Frequently asked questions

Do I need council approval for a granny flat in Melbourne?

Often not. Victoria allows a granny flat to proceed without a full development application when it meets the standards, and City of Melbourne 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 Melbourne?

City of Melbourne is the consent authority for Melbourne (Inner Melbourne). You can review local planning controls on the council website and lodge through your state planning portal.

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.

Sources

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

Related building rules

General guidance only — not professional planning advice. Local requirements in Melbourne can differ from the statewide summary and change over time; always confirm with City of Melbourne before starting work. Last reviewed: July 2026.

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