Can I build a granny flat in Redland?
Short answer: Redland has added size and scale rules for secondary dwellings through its Amenity and Aesthetics Policy and Guideline. Its probable-solution floor-area limits are 85 m² on lots under 1,000 m², 112 m² on lots of 1,000 m² or more, and 160 m² in the Rural zone on lots of 6,000 m² or more. A secondary dwelling that doesn't comply is referred to council and can attract an infrastructure charge.
Redland secondary dwelling rules at a glance
| Probable-solution size limits | 85 m² on lots under 1,000 m²; 112 m² on lots of 1,000 m² or more; 160 m² in the Rural zone on lots of 6,000 m² or more |
|---|---|
| If you exceed them | The application is referred to council, and an infrastructure charge is levied under the Adopted Infrastructure Charges Resolution for secondary dwellings that don't comply with the floor-area probable solution |
| Planning scheme amendment | Council also resolved to introduce these provisions into City Plan by a major amendment, which was still being considered at last check |
| Services | A secondary dwelling is rated the same as a standard dwelling, sharing bins and connections such as electricity, water and sewer where applicable |
| Water authority | Redland 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. |
Older advice is out of date
Redland's older guidance said council had no specific size limit for a secondary dwelling. Since the Amenity and Aesthetics Policy and Guideline commenced, there are floor-area probable solutions and a charge for those that exceed them. Check council's current page rather than an older blog.
Check the amendment status
Council proposed taking these provisions into the City Plan. Check whether the City Plan amendment has progressed, because it could change the rules and the level of assessment.
Where to look
To determine the level of assessment for your lot, council points to Part 5 of the Redland City Plan, and to the Amenity and Aesthetics Guideline for the probable solutions.
Who to ask in Redland
- Council: council's dual living page
- Water authority: Redland 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 · Logan · Ipswich · Scenic Rim · Lockyer Valley · Noosa · Toowoomba · Somerset. See the Queensland overview.
Sources
- Redland City Council, Dual living: secondary dwelling.
- Your Say Redlands Coast, Changes to Amenity and Aesthetics Policy and Guideline have commenced and City Plan amendment announcement.
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 Redland?
Redland's Amenity and Aesthetics Guideline uses probable-solution limits of 85 m² on lots under 1,000 m², 112 m² on lots of 1,000 m² or more, and 160 m² in the Rural zone on lots of 6,000 m² or more. Larger secondary dwellings are referred to council.
Does Redland charge infrastructure charges for granny flats?
Council's adopted infrastructure charges resolution levies a charge for secondary dwellings that don't comply with the floor-area probable solution in the Amenity and Aesthetics Guideline.
Who supplies water and sewer in Redland?
Redland City Council. Ask it for a sewer service diagram and about its build-over-asset process.
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