The Victorian Government has made it easier to build a small second dwelling giving families more housing choice and boosting housing supply.
On 14 December 2023 the Victorian State Government has made it easier for second small dwellings on allotments. The Building Regulations 2018 have been amended to reflect these requirements (Small Second Dwellings) to streamline the approval process to build a small second dwelling.
A small second dwelling up to 60 square metres, also known as a small second dwelling or an accessory dwelling unit, no longer requires a planning permit in most cases where there are no flooding, environmental or other special planning controls.
A small second home still requires a building permit, to meet siting, amenity, design and safety requirements and is to be constructed as a standalone residential dwelling. Changes to the Planning Scheme have ensured that these dwelling cannot be subdivided or separately sold off from the main home.
Definition of a small second home
A small second home is a dwelling which has a gross floor area that is equal to or less than 60 square metres which is self-contained to include a kitchen, bathroom and toilet, located on the same lot as an existing home.
A small second home must not be connected to reticulated natural gas and does not require a car parking space.
You are only able to have two dwellings on the one allotment under this initiative, if there are more then you would need to seek planning approval.
Who can live in a small second dwelling
Anyone can live in or rent-out a small second home, including a family member, dependent person or unrelated persons.
The residential tenancy requirements that apply to a home also apply to a small second home, including room sizes, facilities and smoke alarms.
Building a small second dwelling: location and permits
A small second dwelling can be built on most properties in residential and rural zones without a planning permit.
A building permit is always required.
Need to know more...
More information on this initiative is available from Planning Victoria. More information in relation to Building Requirements can be found at Victorian Building Authority.