Table of Contents
Last reviewed: November 2026
tl;dr
- Granny flats (secondary dwellings) are permitted in residential zones R1 to R5 under the Housing SEPP.
- Maximum 60 m² in residential zones. Only one per lot, and it can’t be subdivided.
- A CDC is possible on lots of at least 450 m² if every standard is met.
- Small lots, heritage, flooding or bushfire usually mean a DA instead.
A granny flat is officially called a secondary dwelling. It is a self-contained home that sits within, is attached to, or is separate from the main house on the same lot. Granny flats are one of the most popular ways to house family or earn rental income in Sydney, and they are often one of the quickest homes to get approved.
The key rules for granny flats in NSW
Granny flats are controlled by the State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021, known as the Housing SEPP. The main rules are:
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Zones | Permitted in residential zones R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5, and other zones if your LEP allows them |
| Maximum size (residential zones) | 60m² of floor area |
| How many | One principal dwelling and one secondary dwelling per lot |
| Subdivision | Not allowed. A granny flat can’t be split off and sold separately |
| Parking | The Housing SEPP doesn’t require any extra car parking spaces |
| Rural zones | Different size limits can apply under your LEP |
When you need a DA instead?
If your lot is under 450m², your design doesn’t meet every CDC standard, or your land has constraints like heritage or certain flood and bushfire categories, you will usually need a development application (DA) with council. A DA is assessed on its merits, so a well-prepared Statement of Environmental Effects and good design matter.
Common granny flat mistakes
- Building over a sewer main or easement without checking the property’s services.
- Counting the floor area wrong. Decks, verandahs and carports can affect site calculations.
- Assuming a converted garage or shed is automatically legal as a granny flat. These can often come with a lot of surprises and headaches.
- Forgetting that the lot can’t be subdivided later.
Avoid the mistakes? Talk to a local Town Planner from our team before you design. It’s the easiest way to avoid a redesign later.
Can I build a granny flat in my council area?
Jump to your council:
- Liverpool
- Campbelltown
- Fairfield
- Canterbury-Bankstown
- Cumberland
- Blacktown
- Parramatta
- The Hills Shire
- Camden
- Penrith
- Wollondilly
- Sutherland Shire
Can I build a granny flat in Liverpool?
Yes, in residential zones across Liverpool, including suburbs like Casula, Moorebank, Prestons, Hoxton Park and Wattle Grove. The Housing SEPP sets the 60m² limit and the CDC standards, while the Liverpool Local Environmental Plan 2008 and council DCP guide a DA if you can’t meet the CDC rules. Rural and large lot zones in the area can have different size limits under the LEP, so check before you design. A common local issue is flood-affected land along the Georges River, which can push a granny flat from a CDC into a DA. Newer release areas such as Austral and Leppington sit in the South West Growth Area, where State precinct controls apply instead of, or alongside, the LEP.
Can I build a granny flat in Campbelltown?
Yes, in residential zones across Campbelltown, including suburbs like Ingleburn, Minto, Leumeah, Glenfield and Campbelltown. The Housing SEPP sets the 60m² limit and the CDC standards, while the Campbelltown Local Environmental Plan 2015 and council DCP guide a DA if you can’t meet the CDC rules. Rural and large lot zones in the area can have different size limits under the LEP, so check before you design. A common local issue is bushfire-prone land on the urban edge, which can push a granny flat from a CDC into a DA. Release areas such as Menangle Park and Gilead form part of the Greater Macarthur Growth Area, which has its own planning framework.
Can I build a granny flat in Fairfield?
Yes, in residential zones across Fairfield, including suburbs like Cabramatta, Bonnyrigg, Smithfield, Fairfield West and Canley Vale. The Housing SEPP sets the 60m² limit and the CDC standards, while the Fairfield Local Environmental Plan 2013 and council DCP guide a DA if you can’t meet the CDC rules. Rural and large lot zones in the area can have different size limits under the LEP, so check before you design. A common local issue is flood-affected land along Prospect Creek and other local creeks, which can push a granny flat from a CDC into a DA.
Can I build a granny flat in Canterbury-Bankstown?
Yes, in residential zones across Canterbury-Bankstown, including suburbs like Bankstown, Punchbowl, Lakemba, Revesby, Padstow and Campsie. The Housing SEPP sets the 60m² limit and the CDC standards, while the Canterbury-Bankstown Local Environmental Plan 2023 and council DCP guide a DA if you can’t meet the CDC rules. A common local issue is flood-affected land near the Cooks River and Salt Pan Creek, which can push a granny flat from a CDC into a DA. Bankstown is also a State-led TOD Accelerated Precinct with its own rezoned controls.
Can I build a granny flat in Cumberland?
Yes, in residential zones across Cumberland, including suburbs like Merrylands, Auburn, Granville, Guildford and Wentworthville. The Housing SEPP sets the 60m² limit and the CDC standards, while the Cumberland Local Environmental Plan 2021 and council DCP guide a DA if you can’t meet the CDC rules. A common local issue is flood-affected land near Duck River and local creeks, which can push a granny flat from a CDC into a DA.
Can I build a granny flat in Blacktown?
Yes, in residential zones across Blacktown, including suburbs like Blacktown, Seven Hills, Quakers Hill, Mount Druitt and Rooty Hill. The Housing SEPP sets the 60m² limit and the CDC standards, while the Blacktown Local Environmental Plan 2015 and council DCP guide a DA if you can’t meet the CDC rules. Rural and large lot zones in the area can have different size limits under the LEP, so check before you design. A common local issue is flood-affected land along local creeks, which can push a granny flat from a CDC into a DA. Release areas such as Marsden Park and Riverstone sit in the North West Growth Area, where State precinct controls apply.
Can I build a granny flat in Parramatta?
Yes, in residential zones across Parramatta, including suburbs like Epping, Carlingford, North Rocks, Ermington and Northmead. The Housing SEPP sets the 60m² limit and the CDC standards, while the Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2023 and council DCP guide a DA if you can’t meet the CDC rules. Common local issues are heritage conservation areas and flood-affected land near the Parramatta River, which can push a granny flat from a CDC into a DA.
Can I build a granny flat in The Hills Shire?
Yes, in residential zones across The Hills Shire, including suburbs like Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Kellyville and Bella Vista. The Housing SEPP sets the 60m² limit and the CDC standards, while The Hills Local Environmental Plan 2019 and council DCP guide a DA if you can’t meet the CDC rules. Rural and large lot zones in the area can have different size limits under the LEP, so check before you design. A common local issue is bushfire-prone land in rural and bushland areas, which can push a granny flat from a CDC into a DA. Release areas such as Box Hill sit in the North West Growth Area, where State precinct controls apply.
Can I build a granny flat in Camden?
Yes, in residential zones across Camden, including suburbs like Narellan, Camden, Mount Annan, Harrington Park and Elderslie. The Housing SEPP sets the 60m² limit and the CDC standards, while the Camden Local Environmental Plan 2010 and council DCP guide a DA if you can’t meet the CDC rules. Rural and large lot zones in the area can have different size limits under the LEP, so check before you design. A common local issue is flood-affected land along the Nepean River, which can push a granny flat from a CDC into a DA. Much of the newer housing, such as Oran Park and Gregory Hills, sits in the South West Growth Area, where State precinct controls apply.
Can I build a granny flat in Penrith?
Yes, in residential zones across Penrith, including suburbs like Penrith, St Marys, Kingswood, Glenmore Park and Jordan Springs. The Housing SEPP sets the 60m² limit and the CDC standards, while the Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2010 and council DCP guide a DA if you can’t meet the CDC rules. Rural and large lot zones in the area can have different size limits under the LEP, so check before you design. A common local issue is flood-affected land on the Nepean River floodplain, which can push a granny flat from a CDC into a DA.
Can I build a granny flat in Wollondilly?
Yes, in residential zones across Wollondilly, including suburbs like Picton, Tahmoor, Thirlmere, Appin and Bargo. The Housing SEPP sets the 60m² limit and the CDC standards, while the Wollondilly Local Environmental Plan 2011 and council DCP guide a DA if you can’t meet the CDC rules. Rural and large lot zones in the area can have different size limits under the LEP, so check before you design. A common local issue is large areas of bushfire-prone land, which can push a granny flat from a CDC into a DA. Wilton is a planned growth area with its own planning framework.
Can I build a granny flat in Sutherland Shire?
Yes, in residential zones across Sutherland Shire, including suburbs like Miranda, Caringbah, Cronulla, Engadine, Menai and Sutherland. The Housing SEPP sets the 60m² limit and the CDC standards, while the Sutherland Shire Local Environmental Plan 2015 and council DCP guide a DA if you can’t meet the CDC rules. A common local issue is bushfire-prone land near bushland and the Royal National Park, which can push a granny flat from a CDC into a DA.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum size of a granny flat in NSW?
In residential zones the maximum floor area is 60m². Different limits can apply in rural zones depending on your council’s LEP.
Can I build a granny flat on a lot under 450m²?
Not as complying development, unless it sits entirely within the existing house. You may still be able to lodge a development application with council.
Do I need council approval for a granny flat?
You need either a complying development certificate from council or a registered certifier, or a development application approved by council.
Can I sell my granny flat separately?
No. A lot with a secondary dwelling can’t be subdivided, so the granny flat stays on the same title as the main house.
Does a granny flat need its own car space?
The Housing SEPP doesn’t require extra parking, but check any existing consent and talk to council if you are removing existing parking.
Talk to PLANZONE
Thinking about a granny flat? We’ll confirm whether you can go the fast CDC route or need a DA, before you pay for plans. PLANZONE is a town planning consultancy with offices in Liverpool and the Sydney CBD, working with councils right across Greater Sydney.
