Granny Flat & Dual Occupancy Approvals in Sydney

Building a granny flat or dual occupancy in NSW can be an excellent investment, whether for extended family living, rental income, or property value growth.

We specialise in granny flat and dual occupancy approvals, ensuring that homeowners and investors navigate council regulations with ease.

With a high success rate across metropolitan and regional NSW, we provide expert planning advice to help you achieve your development goals.

What is a Granny Flat & Dual Occupancy?

✔️ Granny Flat (Secondary Dwelling) – A self-contained dwelling on the same lot as an existing house, typically up to 60m², used for family, rental income or guest accommodation.

✔️ Dual Occupancy – A separate, full-sized dwelling on a single lot, often (but not always) requiring Torrens title or strata subdivision for independent ownership.

✔️ Attached vs Detached – Granny flats can be standalone or attached to the primary dwelling, while dual occupancies may be side-by-side.

✔️ Zoning Requirements – Each council has different rules regarding minimum lot size, setbacks and parking, requiring expert town planning knowledge to ensure compliance.

Why StraightLine Planning is Sydney’s Best Firm for Granny Flat & Dual Occupancy Approvals

✅ Proven Success in Securing Approvals

We have successfully lodged and obtained approvals for granny flats and dual occupancies across more than 20 NSW councils, including Blacktown, Liverpool, Canterbury-Bankstown, Penrith and the Inner West.

✅ Expertise in Zoning & LEP Requirements

Our team assesses your site’s zoning and identifies whether a granny flat or dual occupancy is permissible with consent under your Local Environmental Plan (LEP). If challenges arise, we prepare Clause 4.6 variations to justify non-compliances.

✅ Tailored DA Documentation & Reports

We handle all DA documentation, including:

• Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE)

• Architectural Drawing Sets

• Preliminary Planning Reports

• Flood & Bushfire Risk Assessments

• Traffic & Parking Impact Reports

• Stormwater Drainage Plans

✅ Navigating Planning Challenges & Objections

Councils often reject applications due to:

❌ Insufficient Lot Size – We justify minor lot size variations under Clause 4.6.

❌ Parking Constraints – We prepare parking impact assessments to show compliance.

❌ Neighbour Objections – We engage with council and local residents to resolve disputes.

✅ Faster Approvals & Council Negotiation

We have strong relationships with NSW council planning officers, ensuring that DA approvals progress efficiently without unnecessary delays.

Case Studies: Granny Flat & Dual Occupancy Approvals We’ve Secured

1. Granny Flat in Blacktown (Quakers Hill) – Flood-Prone Land

🔹 The Challenge: A homeowner wanted to build a granny flat but the site was partially flood-affected, triggering council objections.

🔹 Our Solution: We engaged hydraulic engineers to prepare a Flood Impact Assessment, demonstrating that the dwelling would be elevated above the flood planning level.

🔹 The Outcome: Approval was granted, allowing the owner to generate rental income while ensuring flood safety.

2. Dual Occupancy in Canterbury-Bankstown (Punchbowl) – Insufficient Lot Size

🔹 The Challenge: A property owner planned to build a dual occupancy, but their lot was slightly smaller than the required size under the LEP.

🔹 Our Solution: We prepared a Clause 4.6 variation request, arguing that the development maintained the local character and provided much-needed housing diversity.

🔹 The Outcome: Council approved the DA, allowing the client to sell one dwelling and live in the other.

3. Granny Flat in Sutherland Shire (Engadine) – Bushfire Zone Constraints

🔹 The Challenge: A family wanted to build a granny flat for elderly parents, but their property was in a BAL-40 bushfire zone, requiring strict fire safety compliance.

🔹 Our Solution: We worked with bushfire consultants to incorporate fire-retardant materials, ember-proof screens, and an emergency water supply.

🔹 The Outcome: The DA was approved, ensuring a safe and compliant secondary dwelling.

4. Dual Occupancy in Penrith (Glenmore Park) – Parking & Traffic Issues

🔹 The Challenge: A developer wanted to build a dual occupancy but council raised concerns about insufficient on-site parking and increased local traffic.

🔹 Our Solution: We conducted a Traffic Impact Assessment, demonstrating that the development met RMS parking requirements and included on-site visitor spaces.

🔹 The Outcome: The DA was approved, allowing two modern residences to be sold separately.

5. Granny Flat in Inner West (Dulwich Hill) – Heritage Conservation Area

🔹 The Challenge: A homeowner wanted to build a granny flat behind their terrace house, but the site was within a heritage conservation area.

🔹 Our Solution: We worked with a heritage consultant and produced a comprehensive Heritage Impact Statement to showe that materials, roofing and fencing matched the surrounding character while preserving heritage significance.

🔹 The Outcome: Council granted approval, allowing the homeowner to increase property value without compromising heritage elements.

How StraightLine Planning Can Help You Secure Approval

1️⃣ Zoning & Feasibility Assessment – We analyse your site to confirm whether a granny flat or dual occupancy is permissible under local planning rules.

2️⃣ DA Documentation & Reports – We handle the entire DA process, preparing all necessary documents, including SEE, flood, bushfire, and parking impact reports.

3️⃣ Council Negotiation & Representation – We liaise with council planners to ensure a smooth approval process and resolve any objections.

4️⃣ Clause 4.6 Variation Requests – If your lot is under the minimum size, we prepare a strong justification for a variation.

5️⃣ Expert Advice for Investors & Homeowners – Whether you’re building for rental income, resale, or family use, we guide you through every step of the approval process.

Get Your Granny Flat or Dual Occupancy Approved with StraightLine Planning

Building a granny flat or dual occupancy is a smart property investment, but getting council approval requires expert town planning advice.

📍 StraightLine Planning is Sydney’s most trusted town planning firm, securing DA approvals across Sydney, Wollongong, the Central Coast, and regional NSW.

📞 Contact us today to discuss your project and fast-track your approval.

👉 Visit our website to see more success stories and expert insights into NSW planning.