Can I build a Granny Flat in my front yard under CDC?
When planning to build a granny flat, one of the most crucial decisions is choosing the location. So, can you build a granny flat in your front yard? The answer is yes – under specific conditions.
Key Considerations for Building a Granny Flat in the Front Yard
Building a granny flat in your front yard is possible, but it requires careful consideration of your local council’s regulations, particularly the necessary setbacks. Let’s break down how this could work in your favour.
The NSW Affordable Rental Housing State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) outlines that the front setback for a granny flat must be based on the setbacks of the two nearest houses within 40 meters of your property. To determine the allowable front setback for your granny flat, calculate the average distance between the two nearest houses’ setbacks from the street.
For example:
- If your neighbours’ houses are set 7 meters and 8 meters back from the front boundary, the average setback would be 7.5 meters. This would be your minimum front setback.
- Your property also needs a 1.8m setback between the granny flat and the main house unless the granny flat is constructed with brick, masonry, or a special fire-rated wall, which may allow more flexibility.
This strategy works best on large residential lots where your house is set further back from the street compared to neighbouring homes. This way, the front yard can accommodate the required setbacks, making the addition of a granny flat feasible. Read more about setbacks in our article.
If your property does not meet all the conditions required to obtain a CDC, your Granny Flat may still be approved by lodging a DA, although it may be less common to be approved via DA, Acrow Granny Flats team would be able to advise for your specific circumstances, so always get in contact to ask.
Street Appeal for Front Yard Granny Flats
It won’t hurt for your front yard granny flat to harmonise with your primary dwelling and the surrounding environment, to keep the neighbours happy, although when working under CDC your certifier will only care about whether it meets regulations, including any local council nuances. If you do live in an area where council may impose rules around aesthetics (e.g. heritage areas).
To boost the street appeal of your front yard granny flat, consider the following tips:
- Orientation: Ensure the granny flat faces the main street, aligning with the overall streetscape.
- Patio Design: Incorporate stylish outdoor furniture to enhance the front view of the flat.
- Lighting: Consider statement lighting like Hamptons-style pendant lights or recessed lighting to add charm and warmth.
- Driveway Access: If you don’t already have a driveway, consider designs that also offer safe pedestrian access.
- Doors & Windows: Choose windows and doors that not only maximize ventilation but also complement the overall aesthetic of both dwellings.
- Landscaping & Paths: Use planters, matching plants, and well-designed pathways to create cohesion between the granny flat and the main house.
- Fencing: A picket fence or similar fencing can add a polished and welcoming look.
By paying attention to these elements, you can ensure that your front yard granny flat adds value and visual appeal to your property.
Battleaxe Block Design and Granny Flats
If your property doesn’t meet the necessary conditions for building a granny flat under a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), you may still have the option to lodge a Development Application (DA). However, if subdividing your property has crossed your mind, it’s essential to note that you cannot subdivide a block with a granny flat under the existing planning permissions.
In summary, building a granny flat in the front yard is certainly a possibility, provided you meet setback requirements and maintain a cohesive design. If you face challenges, consulting your local council or exploring a DA might still allow for creative solutions to maximize your property’s potential.
Can I build a Granny Flat in my front yard under CDC?
Yes, it is possible to build a granny flat in your front yard under CDC, but specific conditions must be met. A great example is this project we completed. Typically, front yard granny flats are not allowed due to setback requirements and fire-separation regulations. However, Jim’s property had unique features that made this feasible. He had an ample front yard that allowed for a 1.8-meter gap between the existing dwelling and the granny flat, meeting the Building Code of Australia’s fire-separation standards. Additionally, the neighbouring dwellings were set much further forward compared to his house. This enabled Jim to construct his granny flat at a similar setback, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
If your property is similarly set back on the block while your neighbours’ houses are much closer to the front boundary, you can design and obtain approval for a granny flat in your front yard. This case shows that, while unusual, building a front yard granny flat is possible with the right conditions and careful planning.
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