Can I build a granny flat in Logan?
Short answer: Logan allows a secondary dwelling of up to 70 m² gross floor area if it is in a residential zone on a lot under 1,000 m², or 100 m² otherwise. It must be no more than 20 m from the outermost projection of the dwelling house and not sit closer to the street than the main house. Council says secondary dwellings are typically accepted development, subject to requirements.
Logan secondary dwelling rules at a glance
| Maximum size | 70 m² gross floor area in the residential zone category on a lot under 1,000 m²; 100 m² otherwise |
|---|---|
| Distance and siting | A maximum of 20 m from the outermost projection of the dwelling house, with a primary street setback equal to or greater than the dwelling house |
| Planning approval | Typically accepted development, subject to requirements |
| Infrastructure charges | Council's charges resolution applies the same charges to secondary dwellings as to auxiliary units; check the current resolution |
| Auxiliary unit | A form of dual occupancy with the same owner on the same lot; council lists a 450 m² minimum lot size and a limit of 2 bedrooms, 1 kitchen and 1 living space |
| Water authority | Logan City 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. |
Secondary dwelling or auxiliary unit?
Logan distinguishes a secondary dwelling (part of a dwelling house) from an auxiliary unit (a form of dual occupancy). They have different lot-size rules and charges, so be clear which one you're proposing. If the lot-size requirements for a dual occupancy can't be met, council says the application becomes impact assessable, which requires public notification.
Charges
Logan changed its charges resolution after the 2022 rental reform, because renting a secondary dwelling removed the key difference between it and an auxiliary unit. Ask council what applies to your project and when it's payable.
Fire separation
Council's fact sheet notes that fire separation may be required under the National Construction Code, which a certifier can advise on.
Who to ask in Logan
- Council: council's domestic fact sheet and the duty planner
- Water authority: Logan City 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 · Gold Coast · Sunshine Coast · Moreton Bay · Ipswich · Redland · Scenic Rim · Lockyer Valley · Noosa · Toowoomba · Somerset. See the Queensland overview.
Sources
- Logan City Council, Domestic fact sheet (secondary dwellings, auxiliary units and dual occupancy).
- Logan City Council, Residential checksheet (Logan Planning Scheme): size, distance and street setback provisions.
- Logan City Council, Summary of changes to the Logan charges resolution.
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
How big can a granny flat be in Logan?
70 m² gross floor area if it's in the residential zone category on a lot under 1,000 m², or 100 m² otherwise, according to Logan's planning scheme.
How far can a Logan granny flat be from the main house?
A maximum of 20 m from the outermost projection of the dwelling house, and it must not sit closer to the primary street than the main house.
Do Logan granny flats pay infrastructure charges?
Logan's charges resolution applies the same charges to secondary dwellings as to auxiliary units. Ask council what applies to your project, because the resolution changes.
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