Building a granny flat in the Logan Region: Rules and Regulations

Live in Logan and looking to build a granny flat on your section? We set out the main categories that granny flat developments fall into, and the requirements you need to meet for each below.

Different types of granny flat

In Logan there are three categories of development that could apply to a granny flat. Which scenario applies to you will impact what requirements you need to meet and whether you need to submit a planning application. The requirements for each type are covered in more detail below and if you have further questions Compact Homes may be able to help. Contact us Here!

Secondary dwelling

These are granny flats that are used alongside the main home, usually a main dwelling on the same lot. They’re occupied by the same household.

Auxiliary unit

A type of dual occupancy where both houses are owned by the same person on one title where the section is at least 450m2, and the auxiliary unit is subject to specific requirements in terms of size and siting.

Dual occupancy

Where a granny flat is built as a separate home for a different household, either on a single lot or on separate lots that share a common property. 

Check what zone your property is in

The simplest way to find out if you can build a granny flat on your property is via the Logan PD Hub development enquiry tool.

Find your property using the tool and select ‘What can I do here’ to see a full list of potential development on your property, including whether you need to submit a development application.

Secondary dwellings, auxiliary dwellings, or dual occupancy dwellings will likely fall under one of these types of development:​

1. Accepted development (subject to requirements) - meaning you can build without planning permission providing you meet the requirements set out by the Council (we cover these briefly below), or

2. Assessable development (code or impact assessable) - which means you’ll need to submit a planning application with the Council. Code assessable development is assessed against a specific Building Code, while impact assessable development is assessed on its impact.  

Do I need approval for a secondary dwelling?

In Logan, secondary dwellings are accepted development and you don’t need to submit a full planning application to build one. To meet the requirements for accepted development, you’ll need to build in line with the below restrictions. 

Size of dwelling allowed

If your section is 1,000m2 or under, you can’t build a granny flat that’s more than 70m2.

If your section is over 1,000m2, the size limit for a secondary dwelling is 100m2.​

Siting

The granny flat must be beside, behind, below, or above the primary house. It can be attached or detached from the main house.​

Other requirements

As mentioned above, to build a granny flat under the secondary dwelling label, it must be self-contained and occupied by a family member of the main house, like an older parent or child. 

It needs to be on the same section, have the same owner, can’t be subdivided, and it can’t have a separate title.​

Do I need building approval?

Yes, you will need to get building approval from a private building certifier.​

My granny flat doesn’t meet these requirements, what should I do?

Don’t worry! You may still be able to build your granny flat, but you’ll need to speak to the Council or a planning professional.​

Do I need approval for an auxiliary unit?

Auxiliary units are generally accepted development in Logan, meaning you don’t need to submit a planning application to the Council. To be considered accepted development, auxiliary units will need to meet the below criteria.​

Size of dwelling allowed

Auxiliary units can’t be any larger than 70m2 if your section is under 1,000m2. If your section is over 1,000m2, you can build up to 100m2.

Importantly, they cannot have more than two bedrooms and can have only one kitchen and one living space.​

Frontage

If your unit is being built on a lot fronting onto the road, it must have a minimum frontage of 15m.​

Parking and driveways

The unit will need to share a driveway with the main house, unless it’s on a corner lot or a dual road lot.

There will need to be five parking spaces provided, two of which must be covered.​

Siting

The unit can be built beside, behind, below, or above the main house. Fire separation may be required, but a building certifier can advise on this.​

Other requirements

As we talked about above, an auxiliary unit can be occupied by a household not related to the main household. It cannot be separately owned or titled, so it can only be used as a rental property. 

Auxiliary units are subject to the Council’s Infrastructure Charges. You can estimate how much the charge would be using the Council Hub.​

My granny flat doesn’t meet these requirements, what should I do?

Don’t worry! You may still be able to build your granny flat, but you’ll need to speak to the Council or a planning professional. 

Do I need permission for a dual occupancy unit?

If you need something more than a granny flat, a dual occupancy unit might be the best option for you. 

It can be separately owned and titled, and doesn’t have any limitations on size or number of bedrooms like auxiliary units and secondary dwellings do. 

The process for getting permission to build a dual occupancy unit is, however, more complicated. You can access a report using the Planning Enquiry tool on the Council’s website that will outline the criteria you need to meet for your property. 

In some planning zones, Dual Occupancy is accepted development, otherwise, you may need to submit a full planning application. We recommend talking to a planning specialist if you are considering a dual occupancy application. 

If you’re looking to build a granny flat in Logan, you might be able to do so without a full planning application to the Council, providing you’re building something within the size and siting restrictions. 

Compact Homes are experts in all things Granny Flats, Secondary Dwellings and small Cabins in Queensland/Australia.  Head over to Our Homes page and check our our homes.