Council regulations
COMPLYING DEVELOPMENT or FULL DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL
Certain councils around Australia have fast-tracked the approval process for granny flats / secondary dwellings through a system called "Complying Development."
Provided the project meets the established guidelines and criteria for complying development in the relevant local government area (LGA), this streamlined approval process allows certain projects to bypass the usual lengthy approval procedure which can significantly speed up construction.
To confirm whether your project qualifies, we conduct a Preliminary Council Assessment Report.

COMPLYING DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL
So, do you need council approval? The short answer is yes. The long answer is, “It depends.”
It depends on your specific situation, the intended use of the building, your location, and the requirements of your local council. We handle all the necessary council applications, ensuring they meet your specific council’s requirements.
Our team will manage and assess all important factors in the Preliminary Council Assessment Report and take care of the process from start to finish, including providing any required documentation and handling the submission on your behalf.
One of the key attractions of Expandify is that we offer Class 1a dwellings/buildings. This classification allows our homes to be certified and approved by the council as either Primary or Secondary Buildings.
The short answer is always; the long answer is “It Depends.” It depends on your situation, the use of the building, your location, and your council. We always recommend checking with your local council.
- For customers who require council approval, we offer two options:
- DIY Approach: If you prefer to handle the process yourself, you can consult with our team about our optional Council Documentation Package. This package allows Expandify to engage a draftsman, energy assessors, and other professionals to create a comprehensive documentation package for your new home, ready for your DA/building submission.
- Partner Service Approach: Alternatively, you can connect with one of our preferred partners around Australia who specialise in council applications. They can complete the application for you and are familiar with any unique requirements your specific council may have. Our team can help arrange a quote from our partners, or you can reach out to any local council submission service in your area.
FULL DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL (DA) REQUIRED
Please note that Development Approval (DA) is not included in our DIY or Complete packages.
However, if a DA is required for your project, we have a team of town planning partners who can assist with this step. We will reach out to them on your behalf to obtain quotes and gather information regarding the approval process and the specific steps required by your local council.
Getting your Development Approval (DA) and Building Certification is a very in-depth process that varies from council to council. Due to this, we have partnered with different companies across Australia to help our customers with their local councils. You have the option of doing the council process yourself, or we can get you a quote for one of our partner companies to look after all this for you.
We supply all the certifications and documentation for our dwellings up to the point of structure delivery to your site. Your installers and trades (plumbers and electricians) will then supply certification for the work they have completed.
You can then get your Council or Certifier to do their checks during the installation phase of footings and completion. Once it is all completed, you will have your final on-site check and receive your occupancy certificate.

COMPLYING DEVELOPMENT & DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Provided the project meets the established guidelines and criteria for complying development in the relevant local government area (LGA), this streamlined approval process allows certain projects to bypass the usual lengthy approval procedure which can significantly speed up construction.
To confirm whether your project qualifies, we conduct a Preliminary Council Assessment Report.
A Planning Permit does not eliminate the requirement for a Building Permit.
A Building Permit is always necessary when constructing your new home, as it specifically pertains to the actual construction of the building and the materials used. The construction methods and materials must comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) to ensure safety and compliance with the relevant code.
A Planning Permit is a legal document that grants permission for land use or development. A Planning Permit may be required by your local council. If a Planning Permit is needed, it must be obtained before a Building Permit can be issued, though both applications can be submitted simultaneously. We conduct a Preliminary Council Assessment Report to determine whether you need a Planning Permit as part of your project planning.
Our NatHERS accredited assessors evaluate your home’s thermal performance during the design stage and identify simple, cost-effective ways to enhance comfort and improve energy efficiency. We take care of the entire process, ensuring your home meets the 7+ star rating requirements.
A Planning Permit does not eliminate the requirement for a Building Permit.
A Building Permit is always necessary when constructing your new home, as it specifically pertains to the actual construction of the building and the materials used. The construction methods and materials must comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) to ensure safety and compliance with the relevant code.
A Planning Permit is a legal document that grants permission for land use or development. A Planning Permit may be required by your local council. If a Planning Permit is needed, it must be obtained before a Building Permit can be issued, though both applications can be submitted simultaneously. We conduct a Preliminary Council Assessment Report to determine whether you need a Planning Permit as part of your project planning.
Like a conventional build project, permits are required to build a granny flat, prefabricated or expanding home. Regardless of whether you are building on-site or constructing a prefab home in a factory and transporting to site, the permit process is very similar.
There are two main types of permits required for any residential construction project – the Planning Permit / Development approval and the Building Permit. The two permits vary state-by-state but essentially the terms mean the same – one is a legal document issued by your local council providing permission for development, and the other relates specifically to the carrying out of building construction.
A Building Permit, also known as a Construction Permit, is a document issued by an independent and registered building surveyor. The surveyor assesses the plans and documentation for the proposed building ensuring the design meets the requirements of the Building Code of Australia, The Building Act 1993 and the Building Interim Regulations 2017.
Regardless of whether you construct a prefabricated home or a traditional site-built home, a Building Permit is always required.
A Building Permit provides approval for construction work to commence and is required for most new homes, alterations and extensions.
If a Planning Permit is required for your granny flat project, it must be obtained before a Building Permit can be issued.
A Building Permit is always necessary when constructing your new home, as it specifically pertains to the actual construction of the building and the materials used. The construction methods and materials must comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) to ensure safety and compliance with the relevant code.
A Planning Permit is a legal document that grants permission for land use or development. A Planning Permit may be required by your local council. If a Planning Permit is needed, it must be obtained before a Building Permit can be issued, though both applications can be submitted simultaneously. We conduct a Preliminary Council Assessment Report to determine whether you need a Planning Permit as part of your project planning.
This cost will vary depending on the council or private certifier depending on their own charge rates. If you choose our council application service, our third-party team will provide you with an upfront quote on these costs. If you choose to use your own certifier, they will be able to advise you of these costs before you engage their services.
There is one final permit required once construction is complete. An Occupancy Permit, also known as an Occupation Certificate, will be issued by an independent and registered building surveyor. The Occupancy Permit indicates that the surveyor is satisfied with the works and that your new home is suitable to occupy from a health and safety perspective
Building permits relate specifically to the carrying out of building construction. However, there are times when a planning permit may also be required.
Planning permits are legal documents giving permission for a land use or development, and may be required by your local council. If a planning permit is required, it must be obtained before a building permit can be issued, however, both applications can be made at the same time.
A planning permit does not remove the need to obtain a building permit.
The best way to find out whether you need a planning permit is to contact your local council’s Town Planning Office
A Bush Fire Attack Level (BAL) Assessment is required for bush fire prone areas. All developments on land that is designated as bush fire prone have a legal obligation to consider bush fire and meet the requirements of Planning for Bush Fire Protection 2006 and AS3959 – 200. To find out if you live in a bush fire prone area, information is available from your local council.
If your BAL rating is higher than 12.5 alternative design and materials considerations may apply for your home.
Yes, each new home requires an energy rating. Expandify uses the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), which is a national framework for regulating how Australian homes are rated for thermal performance.
The costs and environmental impacts of heating and cooling a home can be reduced through the good design and construction of our homes. Assessment of a building’s thermal performance at the design stage by a NatHERS-accredited assessor can identify simple, economical ways to make it more comfortable and save energy.
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