Are you considering adding a secondary dwelling to your property on the Sunshine Coast?

If so, you should know that these types of dwellings are intended to be used in conjunction with a primary dwelling and are either attached or not attached to the main house. It’s important to note that if the new dwelling is not used in conjunction with the primary dwelling, it may be considered a dual occupancy instead.

In some cases, planning approval may not be required for a secondary dwelling if it complies with the local planning scheme’s code for dwelling houses and is in the appropriate zoning. However, if compliance with the dwelling house code cannot be achieved, a Development Application (DA) will be necessary. Additionally, if your property has specific planning scheme overlays that require additional requirements, you may also need to obtain planning approval.

Building and plumbing approvals

Building and plumbing approvals are required for all secondary dwellings, regardless of whether or not planning approval is needed. Some specific planning requirements for secondary dwellings include:

• A functional connection to the primary dwelling
• Located within 20 meters of the primary dwelling
• Shared services and access arrangements with the primary dwelling, including common wastewater, water reticulation and metering, street numbering, and vehicle access
• Small size and ancillary to the primary dwelling, with size depending on zoning and area within the planning scheme (e.g. a maximum gross floor area of 90 square meters in the rural zone)
• Provision of an additional car parking space for the secondary dwelling
• For urban lots, the lot must be regularly shaped and at least 600 square meters in size

Many other requirements may affect the development of a secondary dwelling, as outlined in the planning scheme and other estate approvals. To ensure that your project is successful and complies with all necessary regulations, it’s a good idea to consult with a surveyor. Surveyors Co, based on the Sunshine Coast, can provide you with expert advice and guidance on adding a secondary dwelling to your property. Contact them for more information.

Importance of Surveying when considering a second dwelling

Surveying is an important consideration when building a second dwelling in Queensland, as it helps to ensure that the property is suitable for the proposed construction. A surveyor will measure and assess the property to determine the location of the dwelling, as well as any potential issues or challenges that may need to be addressed.

For example, a surveyor will consider factors such as the slope of the land, the presence of any underground utilities or other structures, and the proximity of the dwelling to property lines. They will also consider any local zoning regulations or building codes that may apply to the construction of the second dwelling.

In addition to helping to ensure that the second dwelling is built in the right location and meets all necessary regulations, a surveyor can also help to identify any potential issues that may arise during the building process. For example, they may identify the need for additional foundation work or the need to relocate utilities to accommodate the construction of the dwelling.

Overall, working with a qualified surveyor is an important step in building a second dwelling in Queensland. They can help to ensure that the construction is completed smoothly and that all necessary regulations and standards are met.