--- title: "Is My Backyard Suitable for a Granny Flat? : Backyard Grannys" description: "In this article Backyard Grannys answers the first question often asked by customers: Is My Backyard Suitable for a Granny Flat?" image: https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/hubfs/BYG2025/Resources/Is%20My%20Backyard%20Suitable%20for%20a%20Granny%20Flat/21-balaclava.hr-1%20(1).jpg --- Menu [Floor plans](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/granny-flat-designs) [Featured builds](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/granny-flats-portfolio) [How it works](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/how-it-works) [Price guide](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/pages/price-guide) [Investor guide](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/investors-information) [Contact](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/contact) [About us](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/about-us) [Showroom locations](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/locations) [Meet our team](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/our-team) [Awards](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/awards) [Resources](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources) [FAQs](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/faq) # Is my backyard suitable for a granny flat? In this article Backyard Grannys answers the first question often asked by customers: Is My Backyard Suitable for a Granny Flat? ![Backyard Grannys](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/hubfs/BYG2025/Resources/General/byg_logo_240x240.png) Backyard Grannys 08 May 2018 · [Case studies](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/tag/case-studies) Share to [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/backyard-suitable-granny-flat) · [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/backyard-suitable-granny-flat) · [X](https://x.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/backyard-suitable-granny-flat&text=Is%20My%20Backyard%20Suitable%20for%20a%20Granny%20Flat) · [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/backyard-suitable-granny-flat&media=&description=Is%20My%20Backyard%20Suitable%20for%20a%20Granny%20Flat) ![21-balaclava.hr-1 (1)](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/BYG2025/Resources/Is%20My%20Backyard%20Suitable%20for%20a%20Granny%20Flat/21-balaclava.hr-1%20(1).jpg?width=1920&height=1243&name=21-balaclava.hr-1%20(1).jpg) This is one of the first questions Backyard Grannys is asked when fielding new enquiries from potential builders: is my backyard suitable for a granny flat? The second question is usually about what approvals are required and from whom. Not all sites will be suitable but outlined below are the minimum site requirements for a granny flat to be approved by what is called a ‘complying development certificate (CDC)’. Firstly, your property must be zoned residential and be a minimum of 450m² in total area. Your property must also have a 12m width at the building line of the existing dwelling. A setback of a minimum 3m must be maintained from the rear of the property and 0.9m from the side boundaries. Your granny flat is required to have a minimum of 60m² external area and you must maintain a distance of 3m from any existing trees that are over 6m in height. If you’re unsure whether your property meets the requirements, we’ll happily do a free site inspection to determine your eligibility. ![map-01](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/BYG2025/Resources/Is%20My%20Backyard%20Suitable%20for%20a%20Granny%20Flat/map-01.webp?width=2548&height=1436&name=map-01.webp) ## Who approves the construction of a granny flat? So long as you comply for the CDC, we will use a third party certifier to get your granny flat approved. A few years ago, the NSW Government released what is called the Affordable Housing State Environment Planning Policy (SEPP) which allows any residential home owner with a property larger than 450m² and with a minimum 12m street frontage to build a granny flat on their property. As mentioned the term ‘complying development’ simply refers to the fast track approval process for a residential development. In addition, it must be: - Established in conjunction with another dwelling (the principal dwelling), - On the same lot of land as the principal dwelling (and not an individual lot in a strata plan or community title scheme), and - May be within, attached to, or separate from the principal dwelling. So, you’ve found out your property is suitable, and you think you can [build a granny flat](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/news/ultimate-guide-building-a-granny-flat-nsw/) through the CDC. It’s now time to [check out our range](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/granny-flat-designs/) of contemporary granny flats to find the one that suits your style and let us do the rest. --- ## Got a question for us? Don't hesitate to get in touch. --- ## Related resources [See all resources](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources) ![Celebrating 15 Years of Backyard Grannys | 1,500+ Granny Flat Projects](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/hubfs/1-2.png) ### [Celebrating 15 Years of Backyard Grannys | 1,500+ Granny Flat Projects](https://google.com) Backyard Grannys celebrates 15 years in business and more than 1,500 granny flat projects across Newcastle, the Hunter, Central Coast and Port Stephens. [Insider](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/tag/insider) [Read more](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/15-years-of-backyard-grannys-1500-granny-flat-projects) ![The Rise of the Backyard Rental in NSW: Are Granny Flats Still Worth the Investment This Year?](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/hubfs/DSC00006.jpg) ### [The Rise of the Backyard Rental in NSW: Are Granny Flats Still Worth the Investment This Year?](https://google.com) Discover why granny flats remain one of NSW’s strongest investments. Explore Newcastle rental yields, vacancy rates, and the benefits of building a granny flat investment with Backyard Grannys. [Rentals](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/tag/rentals) [Investment](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/tag/investment) [Read more](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/the-rise-of-the-backyard-rental-in-nsw-are-granny-flats-still-worth-the-investment-this-year) ![Keeping family close: building a granny flat for ageing parents](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/hubfs/backyard-grannys-pacific-hwy-07.jpg) ### [Keeping family close: building a granny flat for ageing parents](https://google.com) Discover how building a granny flat for ageing parents can keep family close, provide independence, and add value to your property. Learn more with Backyard Grannys. [General tips](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/tag/general-tips) [Read more](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/keeping-family-close-building-a-granny-flat-for-ageing-parents-1) ![Backyard Grannys named finalist in three categories at the 2025 HIA Hunter Region Awards](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/hubfs/20250625_BCI_43JarretStKillabenBay(BackyardGrannys)-21.jpg) ### [Backyard Grannys named finalist in three categories at the 2025 HIA Hunter Region Awards](https://google.com) Backyard Grannys’ Kilaben Bay project has been named a finalist in three categories at the 2025 HIA Hunter Region Awards, recognising innovation, affordability and design excellence in this bespoke luxury bushland granny flat. [Media](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/tag/media) [Read more](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/backyard-grannys-named-finalist-in-three-categories-at-the-2025-hia-hunter-region-awards) ![How to earn rental income from a granny flat in NSW](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/hubfs/10South%20copy.jpg) ### [How to earn rental income from a granny flat in NSW](https://google.com) If you’re thinking about renting out your granny flat in NSW, here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you get started. [Investment](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/tag/investment) [Read more](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/how-to-earn-rental-income-from-a-granny-flat-in-nsw) ## Get in touch [2/2 Statham Street Bennetts Green NSW 2290](https://maps.app.goo.gl/yWwnF6JKNvFZ56qj9) [(02) 4947 2800](tel:0249472800) [Floor plans](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/granny-flat-designs) [Featured builds](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/granny-flats-portfolio) [How it works](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/how-it-works) [Price guide](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/pages/price-guide) [Investor guide](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/investors-information) [Contact](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/contact) [About us](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/about-us) [Showroom locations](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/locations) [Meet our team](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/our-team) [Awards](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/awards) [Resources](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources) [FAQs](https://www.backyardgrannys.com.au/faq) [Our locations](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/locations) Follow our socials [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/Backyard-Grannys-464560823635233/) [instagram](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/www.instagram.com/backyardgrannys/) [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClt2fYl3o7764Nv6Z7bD40Q/) [linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/backyard-grannys) [pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com.au/backyardgrannys/) Acknowledgement of Country © 2026 Backyard Grannys · [Terms & conditions](https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/terms) · Site by [Headjam](https://headjam.com.au) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Backyard Grannys", "url" : "https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/author/backyard-grannys" }, "dateModified" : "2025-05-06T05:27:54.958Z", "datePublished" : "2018-05-08T14:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Is My Backyard Suitable for a Granny Flat?", "image" : [ "https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/hubfs/BYG2025/Resources/Is%20My%20Backyard%20Suitable%20for%20a%20Granny%20Flat/21-balaclava.hr-1%20(1).jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/resources/backyard-suitable-granny-flat", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.backyardgrannys.com.au/hubfs/BYG-logo-2025-main.png" }, "name" : "Backyard Grannys" } } ```