Granny flat rules and permits by council

Start with your property, not a generic rule

A secondary dwelling can trigger planning, building, siting, servicing and title considerations. The answer depends on the land, overlays, existing dwelling and the local planning scheme.

A useful council checklist

1. Find your council's planning and building pages.
2. Check planning overlays and property constraints.
3. Ask whether a planning permit, building permit, or both may be needed.
4. Confirm whether the proposal changes drainage, parking, access or services.
5. Speak with a registered building surveyor or planning professional for site-specific advice.

Council index

Below is a list of all Melbourne councils covered by this directory. Click through to each council's permit guide for specific information.

Official sources to check

Start with your local council website and the Victorian planning system. Record the page URL and date checked whenever you add a council entry to this directory.

Council contact details were checked against the Victorian Government council contacts workbook (May 2026). Planning scheme links open the Victorian planning portal; always confirm the current property-specific controls in VicPlan.

This guide is general information, not planning, legal or building advice. Requirements change; verify them with the relevant council.