This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
RED tape around granny flat construction has come into effect in Western Australia, with planning approvals no longer required for any units of up to 70 sqm.
The Cook government announced at the end of January it would be relaxing regulations around granny flat construction. The new Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) also relax planning exemptions by removing the previous minimum 350 sqm total lot size requirement, and no longer require the granny flat to be compatible with the existing dwelling, meaning homeowners can simply seek a building permit.
Ancillary dwellings are now also permitted in grouped dwellings and strata lots. Ancillary dwellings or granny flats are not required to have a parking bay, except for some densities or locations where a car is more likely to be needed due to distance from public transport.
Granny flats will still need to meet setback requirements and must not exceed 70 sqm.
“Our government is continuing to do everything we can to bolster housing supply throughout Western Australia – including through nation-leading planning reforms that cut unnecessary red tape,” Planning Minister John Carey said.
Broader planning reforms across the state kicked in last month.
