Ancillary Accommodation

Due to changes in the Building Legislation the City’s web pages relating to building related applications is currently under construction. Building Permit Application forms and further information can be found at the Department of Commerce – Building Commission website
The City apologises for any inconvenience.

Ancillary accommodation is essentially a residential addition, which may or may not be physically attached to the existing house, such as ‘granny flat’.

The City may approve the development of ancillary accommodation associated with a single house and on the same lot, provided that:

• The sole occupant or occupants are members of the family of the occupiers of the main dwelling;
• The lot is not less than 450sqm in area;
• The open space requirements of Table 1 of the Residential Design Codes are met;
• A copy of the Residential Design Codes can be viewed at Planning WA's website ;
• The maximum area of the ancillary accommodation is 60sqm;
• One additional car space is provided.

This approval requires an Application for Approval to Commence Development Form - MRS Form 1 to be lodged and returned with the appropriate fee, together with three (3) copies of the plans.

Septic tank areas

• The Government Sewerage Policy permits the design and construction of ancillary accommodation within unsewered areas if the following criteria is met:
  • total floor area is not more than 60m²;
  • the development is designed with a shared laundry facility located within the main dwelling; and
  • the septic tank and effluent disposal system is approved via the submission of the appropriate septic tank application form.

Please note: the City requires the owner to enter into legal agreement, which shall bind the owner, his/her heirs and successors in title as a condition of development approval. The legal agreement requires that the occupier of the ancillary accommodation is a member of the family of the occupier of the main dwelling. All legal documentation and fees are at the owner’s cost.

Reference: Clause 4.1.1 of the Residential Design Codes 2002. A copy of the Residential Design Codes can be viewed at Planning WA's Website.

Fees

Planning Schedule of Fees

For further information please contact the City on 9400 4961.