Zoning: The property’s zoning under the local planning scheme determines whether a granny flat or modular home is permitted. Common zones where granny flats may be allowed include:

• Residential zones (e.g., General Residential Zone, Neighbourhood Residential Zone, Low-Density Residential Zone).
• Rural zones (e.g., Rural Living Zone).

Overlays: Check if the property is affected by any overlays, such as:

• Heritage Overlay.
• Vegetation Protection Overlay.
• Flood Overlay.
• Bushfire Management Overlay.
  These overlays may impose additional restrictions or requirements.

Granny Flats:

In some cases, a granny flat may not require a planning permit if it meets specific criteria under the Victorian Planning Provisions (Clause 52.03). For example:

• The granny flat must be smaller than 60 square meters.
• It must be used to accommodate a dependent relative (e.g., elderly parent or adult child with a disability).
• It must not be rented out separately from the main dwelling.

If the granny flat exceeds 60 square meters or does not meet the above criteria, a planning permit will likely be required.

• https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/consumers/small-second-homes

A building permit is always required for the construction of a granny flat or modular home, even if a planning permit is not needed. The building permit ensures the structure complies with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and relevant Australian Standards.

Check the property title for any covenants, easements, or restrictions that may prohibit or limit the construction of a granny flat or modular home.

Ensure the property has adequate access to services such as water, sewerage, electricity, and stormwater drainage. If the granny flat or modular home requires new connections, additional permits or approvals may be needed.

Each local council in Victoria may have specific requirements or policies for granny flats and modular homes. For example:

• Some councils may limit the number of dwellings on a single lot.
• Others may require a minimum lot size for a granny flat.

Contact the local council (e.g., City of Melbourne or the relevant municipality) to confirm their specific requirements.

Some councils encourage sustainable building practices, such as energy-efficient designs, solar panels, or rainwater tanks. These may be required or incentivized

Planning permit fees vary depending on the cost of the development and the local council. Fees typically range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

The planning permit process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the proposal and whether objections are raised.

To determine the exact planning permit requirements for your property in Melbourne, Victoria:

1. Check the property’s zoning and overlays using the Victorian Planning Portal or contact your local council.
2. Consult with a town planner or building surveyor to ensure compliance with ResCode and local planning schemes.
3. Submit a planning permit application if required and obtain a building permit before starting construction.