How to Get Council Approval for Expandable Homes

Expandable or prefabricated homes are becoming increasingly popular across Australia — especially for farms, Airbnb projects, granny flats, and affordable living. One of the most common questions we receive is:

“Do I need council approval for an expandable home?”

The answer depends on the state and how you plan to use the unit.

This guide explains the council approval process, what documents are required, and the differences between New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. We also introduce our Council-Approval Model — a fully compliant option designed to meet Australian standards and local planning requirements.

What Is the Council-Approval Model?

Our Council-Approval Model is specifically designed to meet the requirements local councils look for, including:

✔ 2.4m internal ceiling height

(Meets minimum habitable room standards)

✔ Pitched roof + external cladding system

(Improves thermal performance and meets appearance standards for many councils)

✔ Structural engineering certification

(Provided by the planning consultant upon enquiry)

✔ Detailed floor plan + elevation drawings

(Scaled drawings required for DA submission)

This model is ideal if:

• The home will be used as a permanent residence

• You want to connect it to sewer, plumbing, and electricity

• The local council requires a Development Application (DA) or Building Permit

Council Rules by State

New South Wales (NSW)

In NSW, approval depends on the type of use:

• Secondary dwelling / Granny Flat: Requires a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or Development Application (DA).

• Temporary accommodation on rural/farm land:In some cases, a temporary structure can be exempt. It depends on the zoning and utilities.

  
  

Required documents (standard):

• Site plan

• Floor plan & elevations

• Engineering certificate

• BASIX/energy compliance (if permanent residence)

• Bushfire and flood assessment (if applicable)

Victoria (VIC)

Victoria requires a Building Permit for most permanently placed structures.

Approval depends on:

• Site zoning (rural, farming, residential)

• Use (primary dwelling, dependent person's unit, cabin)

  
  

Temporary buildings may not need planning approval if:

• They are not rented or used as permanent living

• They comply with size and distance setbacks

  
  

Typical documents required:

• Building Permit drawings

• Energy report

• Soil report (if on foundations)

• Structural engineering

Queensland (QLD)

Approval requirements vary by council but are generally based on:

• Whether the unit is being used as a secondary dwelling or granny flat

• If it connects to plumbing and sewer

• Lot size and zoning

  
  

Documentation:

• Site plan with setbacks

• Floor plan & elevations

• Plumbing & drainage application

Ready to take the next step?

Reach out to us via our contact form on the website — tell us your location, intended use, and any preferences, and we’ll get back to you with:

• Floorplans

• Pricing

• Delivery availability

• Council approval requirements for your area