Granny flats bill passes first reading

The Building and Construction (Small Standalone Dwellings) Bill has received its first reading in Parliament.

The consent exemption is expected to deliver about 13,000 more granny flats over the next 10 years.

Homeowners will need to notify their local council before they commence building and once it is completed.

To support local infrastructure in growing communities, councils will charge development contributions for granny flats when issuing a Project Information Memorandum (PIM).

The Bill, which is expected to be passed by the end of the year, will exempt granny flats of up to 70 square metres from needing a building consent if it’s a simple design, meets the Building Code and built by authorised building professionals.