Question 1

How close to the fence can I build a granny flat in Victoria?

Accepted Answer

Under Building Regulations 2018 reg 79, a small second dwelling with walls up to 3.6m high must be set back at least 1 metre from side and rear boundaries. The PremiumRea planner applies this 1m clearance to every fence line and also keeps 1m clear of any sewer or drainage easement, which water authorities require for access.

Question 2

Can I build a granny flat over an easement?

Accepted Answer

Generally no — building over a sewer or drainage easement requires build-over consent from the water authority and council, and is often refused for habitable structures. The PremiumRea planner places units clear of easements automatically; if a unit only fits on top of an easement, the tool flags it explicitly instead of approving the site.

Question 3

Does my driveway matter for building a granny flat?

Accepted Answer

Legally no, practically yes. The planner measures the side access corridor between your house and the fence from cadastre and footprint data, reporting both its narrowest and widest points. Under about 1 metre nothing can get through; 1–3 metres means hand-carried materials; 3 metres or more lets machinery and prefabricated modules reach the backyard.

Question 4

How close to the boundary can I build a granny flat in Queensland?

Accepted Answer

Under the Queensland Development Code (MP 1.2), a single-storey secondary dwelling with walls up to 4.5m mean height must generally be set back at least 1.5 metres from side and rear boundaries — half a metre more than Victoria. The PremiumRea planner applies the 1.5m clearance to every QLD fence line plus 1m clear of sewer and drainage easements (QDC MP 1.4 build-over rules).

Question 5

Can I rent out a granny flat in Queensland?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since 26 September 2022, Queensland planning rules allow secondary dwellings to be rented to people outside the household, statewide. Maximum size still depends on the council planning scheme — for example around 80m² in Brisbane and 70m² in several SEQ councils — which the planner checks against the lot’s local government area.

Can a granny flat be built on this lot?