Can I build a granny flat in Gold Coast?
Short answer: on the Gold Coast a granny flat is a secondary dwelling: a separate living area that is smaller than, and subordinate to, the main house. Council says that most of the time you don't need a development application for one in a residential zone, provided it meets the City Plan's secondary dwelling code and any other applicable codes. You do need a building approval, which you can get through a private building certifier.
Gold Coast secondary dwelling rules at a glance
| Size and siting | Set in the City Plan's secondary dwelling provisions and varies by zone. Read the provisions for your zone |
|---|---|
| Planning approval | Usually not needed in a residential zone if the secondary dwelling code and other applicable codes are met |
| Certainty option | Council offers a "confirmation of accepted development" application if you want written confirmation |
| Building approval | Required. Can be obtained through a private building certifier |
| Water authority | City of Gold Coast (council) |
| Rent | Since 26 September 2022 a secondary dwelling in Queensland can be rented to anyone, not only family. It needs its building approval and final certificate first, and normal tenancy law applies. |
What we could and couldn't confirm
Council's own web page for dwellings doesn't state a size limit; it points to the secondary dwelling provisions of the City Plan. Figures such as 80 m² circulate online, but because they vary by zone we haven't printed one here. Read the secondary dwelling provisions for your zone, or ask council.
Getting written certainty
If you meet the code and want it in writing, ask council about a confirmation of accepted development application. It's useful before you spend money on plans, and a lender or buyer may later ask for evidence.
Gold Coast checks worth doing first
- Look up your zone and overlays in the City Plan mapping.
- Check your title for easements and covenants, which often govern where a second dwelling can sit.
- Ask council about infrastructure charges and rating for a second dwelling.
- Confirm access for a crane or truck if you plan a prefab or modular build.
Who to ask in Gold Coast
- Council: ask the Planning Enquiries team via council's dwellings page
- Water authority: the City of Gold Coast (council water and sewer). Order a sewer service diagram early and ask about its build-over-asset process.
- Building certifier and builder: check licences on the QBCC register. See choosing a builder.
Other councils: Brisbane · Sunshine Coast · Moreton Bay · Logan · Ipswich · Redland · Scenic Rim · Lockyer Valley · Noosa · Toowoomba · Somerset. See the Queensland overview.
Sources
- City of Gold Coast, Dwellings.
- City of Gold Coast, Confirmation of accepted development.
- Queensland Government, Changes to secondary dwellings.
General information only, not planning, legal or building advice. Council provisions change, so confirm the current version with council and check the review date above.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a development application for a granny flat on the Gold Coast?
Council says that most of the time you don't need one for a secondary dwelling in a residential zone if it meets the secondary dwelling code and any other applicable codes. You still need a building approval, which you can get through a private building certifier.
What size can a Gold Coast granny flat be?
The size limit is in the City Plan's secondary dwelling provisions and depends on your zone. Council's dwellings page doesn't state a single figure, so check the provisions for your zone or ask council.
Can I confirm my Gold Coast granny flat is accepted development?
Council offers a confirmation of accepted development application, which gives you written confirmation that the work is accepted development.
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