Granny Flats Moreton Bay – Council Rules, Approvals, Costs & Site Requirements
If you're researching granny flats in Moreton Bay, the first step is understanding what your property can support under the current planning scheme. Lot area and frontage, secondary-dwelling size limits, shared services, parking, setbacks, overlays and infrastructure can all affect the design and approval pathway.
We specialise in custom on-site granny flats and detached extensions, designed around the property, the people who will use the space and the planning, building and site requirements that apply across the City of Moreton Bay.
Moreton Bay Granny Flat Quick Facts
Quick guide: Requirements depend on zoning, lot area and frontage, building height, existing development, overlays and services. The figures below are general guides, not automatic entitlements.
Suburban neighbourhood / Coastal communities: generally at least 600 m² lot area and 12.5 m primary frontage for a secondary dwelling under the Dwelling house code.
Other applicable Dwelling house code areas: generally at least 450 m² lot area and 10 m primary frontage.
Size on qualifying lots up to 800 m²: generally no more than 45 m² GFA for the secondary dwelling.
Size on qualifying lots over 800 m²: generally no more than 55 m² GFA.
Rural and Rural residential zones: generally up to 100 m² GFA, subject to zone/precinct requirements, including Rural Hamlet provisions.
✅ Building Approval required: Yes. A new secondary dwelling must comply with the NCC and requires building approval through a private building certifier.
🤷 Development Approval required: Not always. A complying secondary dwelling is generally accepted development subject to requirements. Planning approval or a Council concurrence response may be required if applicable requirements are not met.
Plumbing approval: Generally required for new secondary dwelling plumbing and drainage work. Council administers plumbing applications and inspections.
Shared services: In Dwelling house code areas the primary and secondary dwellings share the water master meter, electricity connection, wastewater connection/system, street number, letterbox, driveway and pedestrian access.
Extra parking: One designated car space is required in addition to the parking required for the primary dwelling, and it must be co-located with the primary dwelling parking.
🏡 Distance from primary dwelling – Dwelling house code: The secondary dwelling must be located within 10 m of the primary dwelling.
🏡 Distance from primary dwelling – Rural / Rural residential: The secondary dwelling must be located within 50 m of the primary dwelling.
Front / road setback: generally starts at 6 m on lots of 450 m² or more where the applicable QDC provision applies; streetscape and local rules can change this.
Side boundary: in applicable Dwelling house code areas, generally at least 1 m to the wall, or the greater QDC Table A2 setback. Eaves may project 0.5 m into the wall setback where permitted.
Rear boundary: in applicable Dwelling house code areas, generally 5 m to the wall for lots deeper than 25 m, or 3 m for lots 25 m deep or less. Exceptions apply.
Corner blocks: Corner-road setbacks require individual checking. QDC MP1.2 generally starts at 6.0 m to road frontages, with a reduced nominated frontage possible on some lots with average depth of 24 m or less. Sight-line rules also apply.
NCC fire-separation threshold: 1.8 m is an important NCC threshold between Class 1 buildings on the same lot. Closer separation can be possible where the applicable fire-resisting construction requirements are met.
Can the granny flat be rented?: Yes. Queensland rules allow a lawful secondary dwelling to be rented to someone who is not related to the occupants of the primary dwelling.
Infrastructure charges: May apply where a development approval creates additional demand on trunk infrastructure. Any charge depends on the approval pathway and the current Moreton Bay Charges Resolution.
✅ Typical Building Approval time – Hive guide: Approximately 4–8 weeks for a typical project. Planning, infrastructure, siting or specialist referrals can extend this.
Typical construction time – Hive guide: Approximately 5–7 months after approvals, depending on project size, site conditions and the appointed builder’s program.
Common site constraints: Flood, coastal hazard, overland flow, sewer and stormwater, easements, environmental areas, significant trees, bushfire, landslide, riparian/wetland setbacks, slope, access and on-site wastewater.
💡 Best first step: Book Your Complimentary Site Assessment before committing to detailed plans.
Do You Need Council Approval for a Granny Flat in Moreton Bay?
A new secondary dwelling in Moreton Bay requires building approval and usually plumbing and drainage approval. Planning approval is not always required where the proposal satisfies the applicable Requirements for Accepted Development, but a Council concurrence response or development application may be triggered where requirements or overlays are not satisfied.
Lot area and frontage, GFA limits, shared services, additional parking, proximity to the primary dwelling and flood, coastal or other overlays should be checked early before detailed design begins.
Related guide: Granny Flat Approval Process – From Site Assessment to Construction
Energy Ratings for Granny Flats — Queensland 2026
Under Queensland Development Code MP 4.1 (Sustainable buildings), an eligible new Class 1a small home with a floor area of 50 m² or less may use a 5-star thermal energy-equivalence pathway. Most larger new homes generally require 7 stars. Eligible raised-floor houses may qualify for a 6-star pathway. These are state energy provisions, not separate council size entitlements; the proposed GFA and eligibility must be checked for the actual design.
Whole of Home energy requirements also apply (generally a minimum score of 60 for new houses). Compliant outdoor living area credits may contribute to the relevant star-equivalence pathway. Before setting a building budget, obtain a project-specific assessment from the energy assessor and confirm applicable compliance requirements with the certifier.
Official Queensland reference: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/building-property-development/building-construction/laws-codes-standards/sustainable-housing/energy-equivalence
Why Choose Hive Small Homes for Your Moreton Bay Granny Flat?
Every property is different, so we start by understanding your site, your budget and what you want to achieve. Rather than trying to fit every client into a standard design, we consider the available space, access, setbacks, services, zoning, precinct, overlays and other constraints before recommending the most suitable approach.
If you are comparing granny flat builders in Moreton Bay, it is important to understand how the project is delivered. Hive Small Homes coordinates the preliminary assessment, concept design, working drawings, engineering and approval process; construction is undertaken by the appointed independent licensed builder under the homeowner's building contract.
Our process includes:
Preliminary site and planning assessment
Indicative Quote
Custom concept floorplans
Soil testing and consultant coordination
Working drawings and engineering
Building and plumbing approval coordination
Detailed pricing before construction
Construction through the appointed independent builder
Clear communication throughout the pre-construction process
Moreton Bay Granny Flat Rules – What You Need to Know
A secondary dwelling is a subordinate dwelling on the same property as the main home. Moreton Bay Planning Scheme Version 8 commenced on 11 September 2026. The 2024 Better Housing Amendment secondary-dwelling rules remain relevant; the 2026 version update concerns the Local Government Infrastructure Plan.
The acceptable-development thresholds below differ between residential precincts and rural areas. A larger lot does not guarantee approval: assess the zone, frontage, services, parking, proximity to the main dwelling and overlays together.
Quick comparison: In qualifying Suburban neighbourhood and Coastal communities precincts, at least 600 m² and 12.5 m frontage are generally required. In other applicable Dwelling house code areas, generally at least 450 m² and 10 m frontage are required. Secondary dwelling size is generally 45 m² on lots up to 800 m² and 55 m² above 800 m². Rural/Rural residential rules differ.
General residential – Suburban neighbourhood or Coastal communities
Minimum lot: 600 m²
Minimum frontage: 12.5 m
Secondary dwelling size: 45 m² on 600–800 m² lots; 55 m² on lots over 800 m²
Other areas where the Dwelling house code applies
Minimum lot: 450 m²
Minimum frontage: 10 m
Secondary dwelling size: 45 m² on 450–800 m² lots; 55 m² on lots over 800 m²
Rural residential zone
Minimum lot: Check zone requirements
Minimum frontage: Check zone requirements
Secondary dwelling size: Up to 100 m² GFA
Rural zone
Minimum lot: Check zone/precinct requirements
Minimum frontage: Check zone/precinct requirements
Secondary dwelling size: Up to 100 m² GFA, with special provisions in the Hamlet precinct
Shared Services and Access
In most residential areas covered by the Dwelling house code, the main home and granny flat must share the same water master meter, electricity connection, wastewater connection or system, street number, letterbox, driveway and pedestrian access. This does not necessarily mean they cannot be separately metered for usage; check any sub-metering arrangements with the relevant utility and certifier.
Occupants of both homes must be able to use the required on-site open space and parking. In the Suburban neighbourhood and Coastal communities precincts, the granny flat’s entrance and any deck, balcony or patio must face inward towards the main home rather than towards neighbouring properties.
Do I Need Development Approval?
Not necessarily. A dwelling house, including a secondary dwelling, is generally accepted development subject to requirements where it complies with the applicable Requirements for Accepted Development in the planning scheme.
If an applicable requirement cannot be met, the outcome depends on the specific provision. Some non-compliances can be assessed by Council as a concurrence agency response to the building application, while others can trigger a development application.
Building Approval
Yes. A new secondary dwelling must comply with the National Construction Code and requires building approval through a private building certifier. The certifier will also determine whether any Council or infrastructure referral is needed before approval can be issued.
Plumbing Approval
New secondary dwellings generally involve plumbing and drainage permit work. City of Moreton Bay administers plumbing applications and inspections. Where the property uses an on-site wastewater system, wastewater management is assessed as part of the plumbing application.
Parking
Generally, one extra designated parking space is needed for the granny flat, in addition to the main home’s parking. The new space must be grouped with the main home’s parking rather than located as a separate independent parking area. Check access and driveway arrangements before finalising the design.
Infrastructure Charges
Council levies infrastructure charges where a development approval lawfully attracts a charge for additional demand on trunk infrastructure. Council continues to identify Moreton Bay Regional Council Charges Resolution (No. 10) as its current charges resolution. Check the approval pathway and any Infrastructure Charges Notice before quoting an amount.
A compliant secondary dwelling that does not require a development approval does not automatically receive a Council Infrastructure Charges Notice. Other connection, service and approval costs may still apply. The adopted Local Government Infrastructure Plan Amendment No. 2 commenced on 11 September 2026 and updates infrastructure planning, not a universal granny-flat infrastructure charge.
2026 planning scheme update: Moreton Bay Planning Scheme Version 8 commenced on 11 September 2026 following adoption of Local Government Infrastructure Plan Amendment No. 2. Council is separately reviewing a replacement planning scheme; the replacement is not yet in force.
Setbacks and Building Siting
Moreton Bay has specific side and rear setbacks in applicable Dwelling house code areas. The figures below are general starting points; zone, precinct, height, frontage, flood constraints, building envelopes and other conditions can change what is permitted.
Queensland Housing Code — Commenced 1 September 2026
💡 2026 update: The Queensland Housing Code (new QDC MP 1.1 and MP 1.2) commenced on 1 September 2026. Transitional arrangements permit former council-specific siting provisions to continue until the applicable planning scheme is amended to state how the new Code applies, or 1 September 2029, whichever occurs first. The siting standards for a particular property must therefore be checked against the relevant current planning scheme and transitional arrangements.
The new QHC expressly applies to secondary dwellings. Its default acceptable solution limits secondary-dwelling internal floor area to 50 m² on lots under 1,000 m² and 60 m² on lots of 1,000 m² or more. Adopting councils may increase those defaults through alternative planning-scheme provisions.
The new framework also updates design and siting standards for building height, setbacks, site cover, visual privacy, vehicle parking and access, and private and landscape open space.
Transition is important: former council-specific siting provisions may continue until the relevant council amends its planning scheme to state how the Queensland Housing Code applies, or 1 September 2029, whichever comes first. Do not assume the new state defaults displace every local requirement immediately.
General setback guide – dwelling house code areas
Front: generally 6 m on lots of 450 m² or more where QDC road setback rules apply; streetscape and other exceptions can alter this.
Side: generally at least 1 m to the external wall, or a greater setback under QDC Table A2; where allowed, the outermost roof projection may be 0.5 m closer.
Rear: generally 5 m to the wall when lot depth exceeds 25 m; generally 3 m when lot depth is 25 m or less. Where allowed, the outermost projection may be 0.5 m closer.
Side Setbacks in Dwelling House Code Areas
For a detached dwelling where there is no built-to-boundary wall, the current Moreton Bay Dwelling house code requires a minimum 1 m setback to the wall, or the larger setback produced by the QDC Table A2 sliding scale where that standard is greater than 1 m. The planning scheme measures that requirement to the wall.
The outermost projection, such as an eave, can generally project 0.5 m into the wall setback. This means a 1 m wall setback can generally correspond to a 0.5 m outermost-projection setback, subject to the full code requirements.
Rear Setbacks in Dwelling House Code Areas
For a detached dwelling, the current Moreton Bay rule is generally 5 m to the rear wall where the lot depth is more than 25 m, or 3 m to the rear wall where the lot depth is 25 m or less. The outermost projection can generally extend 0.5 m into that wall setback.
Terrace dwellings and some park-facing lots have separate provisions. The correct dwelling typology and frontage should therefore be checked before relying on the general rear setback.
Front / Road Setbacks
Where the Moreton Bay planning scheme does not set an alternative road setback, the QDC provides the standard starting point. For lots of 450 m² or more, QDC MP1.2 generally uses a 6 m road setback, with provisions that can respond to the established setbacks of adjoining dwellings.
New QDC MP 1.1 and MP 1.2 commenced on 1 September 2026, subject to the transitional application of former local-government provisions. Confirm the operative standards for the individual lot.
Corner Blocks
For a standard corner lot of 450 m² or more, QDC MP1.2 generally treats both street boundaries as road frontages, with a 6 m starting setback. Where the lot has an average depth of 24 m or less, the local government-nominated road frontage may use the reduced setback in QDC Table A1, while the other road frontage generally retains the 6 m setback.
The QDC also prevents a building or structure more than 2 m high from being built within a 9 m × 9 m truncation at the corner of the two road frontages. Other traffic-visibility controls can affect fences, screens and retaining walls near a road corner.
For Moreton Bay secondary dwellings, the corner-block assessment must also consider the applicable zone or precinct, the Dwelling house code where relevant, any built-to-boundary provisions, the 10 m proximity requirement to the primary dwelling and the requirement for the development to read as a single dwelling from the street.
How Setbacks Are Measured
The measurement point depends on the applicable rule. Moreton Bay’s current Dwelling house code specifically separates wall setbacks from outermost-projection setbacks for side and rear boundaries. QDC road and other siting provisions generally measure to the outermost projection, which can include the fascia or roof structure rather than simply the wall.
Separation from the Existing Dwelling
Moreton Bay has both a planning-scheme proximity requirement and NCC fire-separation considerations. In Dwelling house code areas the secondary dwelling must be located within 10 m of the primary dwelling. In the Rural and Rural residential zones, it must be located within 50 m of the primary dwelling.
These are maximum proximity distances, not minimum fire-separation distances. Under NCC 2022 Housing Provisions Part 9.2, an external wall of a Class 1 building and its openings must satisfy the relevant fire-resisting provisions where that wall is less than 1.8 m from another building on the same allotment.
Accordingly, 1.8 m is an important fire-design threshold rather than an absolute minimum separation. A closer arrangement can be possible where the relevant walls, openings, eaves and other elements are designed to satisfy the NCC.
Common Site Constraints
A property can satisfy the secondary dwelling size rules and still have constraints that affect its buildable area, design, engineering, approval pathway and cost. Common Moreton Bay issues include:
Sewer and water infrastructure – Unitywater assets can affect the building location. Building over or near an asset must be assessed against QDC MP1.4 and may require Unitywater approval where the acceptable solutions cannot be met.
Stormwater and drainage easements – Council drainage infrastructure and easements can restrict building locations. Structures are generally not permitted within a drainage easement without the appropriate approval.
Flood hazard – High and Medium risk flood areas can trigger code-assessable development approval for a new dwelling house or a secondary dwelling. Minimum habitable floor levels and engineering requirements can apply.
Drainage Investigation Areas – a new dwelling house or a secondary dwelling can require Council approval and additional drainage investigation.
Coastal hazard / storm-tide inundation – erosion-prone and storm-tide areas can impose additional planning and floor-level requirements.
Overland flow – development must not impede flood flows or worsen impacts to other properties.
Environmental areas – native vegetation and mapped environmental values can reduce the available building area or trigger approval.
Significant trees / heritage and landscape character – mapped significant trees and landscape values can restrict building locations.
Bushfire hazard – bushfire overlays can affect siting, vegetation separation, BAL requirements and access.
Landslide hazard and steep land – slope can trigger limits on earthworks, cut/fill and retaining walls and can increase structural costs.
Riparian and wetland setbacks – waterways, drainage lines and wetlands can have substantial planning-scheme buffer requirements.
Infrastructure buffers – wastewater plants, bulk water infrastructure, gas pipelines and landfill buffers can constrain development.
Building envelopes / development footprints – some sites have mandatory building areas or development footprints that further restrict siting.
On-site wastewater – common in rural and rural residential areas without reticulated sewer and must be assessed through the plumbing application.
Narrow or restricted access – can affect excavation methods, equipment, material handling and construction cost.
Soil conditions – reactive or poor soils can require different footing solutions following the soil test.
Additional Approval Requirements
Depending on the property and the proposed design, additional approvals or referrals may include:
Council concurrence agency response – where a non-compliant Dwelling house code requirement is identified as a concurrence-agency matter.
Development application – where the proposal cannot meet applicable Requirements for Accepted Development or an overlay makes the work assessable.
Boundary setback / siting variation – where the proposal does not meet the applicable QDC or Moreton Bay planning-scheme siting standard.
Unitywater build-over or adjacent-asset approval – where work over or near water or sewer infrastructure cannot satisfy QDC MP1.4 acceptable solutions.
Flood or Drainage Investigation Area approval – where mapped flood controls make the secondary dwelling code assessable.
Coastal hazard assessment – where erosion-prone, storm-tide or coastal planning provisions apply.
Environmental or vegetation assessment – where native vegetation, environmental values or significant trees are affected.
Bushfire or landslide assessment – where mapped hazards affect the site.
On-site wastewater approval – for unsewered properties.
Plumbing permit and inspections – for the plumbing and drainage work associated with the new dwelling.
Identifying these requirements before detailed design can reduce the risk of redesign, consultant delays and unexpected costs.
Granny Flat or Detached Extension – Which May Be Better?
A secondary dwelling is not always the most suitable solution. If the objective is to add bedrooms, a home office, guest accommodation, a hobby room or extra family living space, a detached or linked extension may provide a better outcome for the property and the intended use.
This is particularly relevant in Moreton Bay because a secondary dwelling can be subject to minimum lot dimensions, GFA limits, shared-service requirements, additional parking and a requirement to remain close to the primary dwelling. A detached extension is a different building/planning solution and should be assessed under the rules that apply to that form of work.
Can a Moreton Bay Granny Flat Be Rented Out?
Yes.
Queensland’s secondary dwelling rules allow a lawful secondary dwelling to be rented to anyone, regardless of whether they are related to the occupants of the primary dwelling. This applies across Queensland, including the City of Moreton Bay.
The dwelling must still be lawful and comply with the applicable planning, building, fire-safety and other requirements. Moreton Bay’s shared-service and secondary-dwelling design requirements also continue to apply.
Our Granny Flat Process in Moreton Bay
1. Preliminary Site Assessment
We review the property, planning controls, overlays and available information to identify any obvious constraints.
2. Indicative Quote
Based on the preliminary assessment and your requirements, we prepare an indicative quote to give you a clear guide to the likely project cost before moving forward.
3. Site Visit
If the indicative quote is within your budget, we arrange a site visit to look more closely at access, services, site levels and the proposed building location.
4. Concept Design
We prepare a concept floorplan designed around your property, requirements and budget.
5. Final Pricing & Contract
Once the concept design is agreed, detailed pricing is prepared and the final scope is confirmed before proceeding to contract.
6. Working Drawings, Engineering & Approvals
The project moves through working drawings, engineering and the required building and plumbing approval process.
7. Construction
Once approvals are in place, construction can commence with the appointed independent builder.
Typical Project Timeframes
The following are Hive Small Homes indicative timeframes only. They are not City of Moreton Bay statutory timeframes and can vary depending on the property, consultants, approval pathway and appointed builder.
Preliminary assessment / site visit: Approximately 1–2 weeks
Concept design: Approximately 2–3 weeks
Final pricing & contract: Approximately 1–2 weeks
✅ Building Approval: Approximately 4–8 weeks
Construction: Approximately 5–7 months after approvals
Projects requiring a Council concurrence response, development approval, Unitywater asset approval, flood or coastal assessment, boundary variation, on-site wastewater design or other specialist reports can take longer.
Custom Granny Flat Designs for Moreton Bay Properties
A well-designed granny flat should feel like a genuine home rather than simply a smaller version of one. Depending on the site, applicable controls and chosen layout, designs can include:
One or two bedrooms
Open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas
Full bathroom and laundry facilities
Built-in storage
Covered decks and outdoor living areas
Energy-efficient insulation and glazing
Air conditioning and ceiling fans
Modern kitchens and bathrooms
We can adapt the concept design to suit different block shapes, site conditions, access constraints and the needs of the future occupants.
Granny Flats for Different Stages of Life
A Moreton Bay granny flat can provide flexible accommodation for:
Parents or older family members
Adult children wanting greater independence
Extended family
Guest accommodation
Home office or hobby space
Rental accommodation
The best design will depend on who will use the dwelling, how much privacy is required and how the new building relates to the existing home and property.
Book Your Complimentary Site Assessment
Not sure what can be built on your property?
Hive Small Homes offers a complimentary preliminary Site Assessment to help identify zoning, precincts, overlays, minimum lot requirements, setbacks, services and potential constraints before you commit to a design.
We review available property information to help identify the likely secondary dwelling size, planning pathway, underground services and other site-specific issues. This gives you a clearer understanding of what may be possible before spending money on detailed plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a granny flat on my Moreton Bay property?
It depends on the property’s zone and precinct, lot area and frontage, available building area, setbacks, overlays, services and other constraints. A secondary dwelling that satisfies the applicable Requirements for Accepted Development will generally not need planning approval.
How large can a Moreton Bay granny flat be?
In areas where the Dwelling house code applies, the current limit is generally 45 m² GFA on lots from 450 m² to 800 m² and 55 m² on lots greater than 800 m². Rural and Rural residential zones generally allow up to 100 m² GFA, subject to the applicable zone and precinct requirements.
What minimum lot size is required?
In the General residential Suburban neighbourhood and Coastal communities precincts, the minimum is 600 m² with a 12.5 m primary frontage. In other areas where the Dwelling house code applies, the minimum is generally 450 m² with a 10 m primary frontage.
What are the typical front, side and rear setbacks?
In Dwelling house code areas, side walls are generally at least 1 m from the boundary or the larger QDC Table A2 distance where applicable. Rear walls are generally 5 m from the boundary on lots deeper than 25 m and 3 m where lot depth is 25 m or less. A standard 450 m²+ road setback generally starts at 6 m under QDC MP1.2 unless another planning-scheme provision applies.
What setbacks apply to a corner block?
For a standard 450 m²+ corner lot, QDC MP1.2 generally starts with 6 m road setbacks. On a lot with average depth of 24 m or less, a reduced Table A1 setback can apply to the nominated frontage. A 9 m × 9 m corner truncation and traffic sight-line controls also need to be considered.
How close must the granny flat be to the existing home?
In Dwelling house code areas it must be within 10 m of the primary dwelling. In Rural and Rural residential zones it must be within 50 m. Separate NCC fire-separation rules apply when buildings are close together.
Do I need Development Approval?
Not always. A complying proposal is generally accepted development subject to requirements. Council assessment can be required where a relevant requirement is not met or where an overlay makes the work assessable.
Do I need Building Approval?
Yes. A new secondary dwelling requires building approval through a private building certifier and must comply with the NCC.
Do I need plumbing approval?
Yes, new secondary dwellings generally involve plumbing and drainage permit work. City of Moreton Bay administers the plumbing approval and inspection process.
Can I rent the granny flat to someone who isn’t a family member?
Yes. Queensland rules allow a lawful secondary dwelling to be rented to someone who is not related to the occupants of the primary dwelling.
Does the granny flat need its own water and electricity connections?
In Dwelling house code areas, no. The primary and secondary dwelling must share common water, electricity and wastewater services, together with the street number, driveway and pedestrian access. Sub-metering requirements should be checked separately.
Do I need an extra car space?
Yes. The Dwelling house code requires one designated car space for the secondary dwelling in addition to the parking required for the primary dwelling.
Can I customise the design?
Yes. The concept floorplan can be developed around your property, intended occupants, preferred layout and budget, while still working within the applicable Moreton Bay requirements.
Can I see completed Hive Small Homes projects?
Yes. Visit the Projects page to see examples of completed Hive Small Homes granny flats and detached-extension projects.
Can I build over a sewer line?
Sometimes. Unitywater water and sewer assets must be assessed against QDC MP1.4. If the acceptable solutions cannot be met, approval from Unitywater is required before construction.
Can I build over stormwater infrastructure?
Possibly, but Council drainage infrastructure and drainage easements can significantly restrict building work. The asset location and easement terms need to be checked before design.
What if my property is flood affected?
Flood controls can materially change the approval pathway. In High and Medium risk flood hazard areas, a new dwelling house or secondary dwelling can require code-assessable development approval. Minimum habitable floor levels and engineering requirements can also apply.
What if my block slopes?
Slope does not automatically prevent a project, but it can affect excavation, retaining walls, footing design, landslide requirements, access, engineering and overall cost.
What if my property has an easement?
The easement should be assessed before the concept design is finalised. Drainage, access, service and other easements can restrict the buildable area or require additional consent.
What if I have limited or narrow site access?
Restricted access does not automatically prevent construction, but it can affect excavation methods, equipment, material handling and site costs.
Do I need a soil test?
Yes. A soil test is normally required for the structural engineer to design the footing system for the actual site conditions.
Will infrastructure charges apply?
They may where a development approval is issued and the development creates additional demand on trunk infrastructure. The applicable amount, if any, will be identified through the approval process.
Important Information
The information on this page is intended as a general guide only. Every property is different. Zone and precinct, lot dimensions, overlays, easements, infrastructure, development footprints, building siting and existing site conditions can all influence what can be built.
Council planning requirements, building regulations and approval processes may change. All information should be independently verified with the relevant authorities and qualified professionals before being relied upon. For advice specific to a property, Hive Small Homes recommends completing the preliminary site assessment before committing to detailed plans or consultant work.
Related Articles
Granny Flat Approval Process – From Site Assessment to Construction
Building Over or Near a Sewer Line
Granny Flat Flooding and Flood Assessment
One-Bedroom vs Two-Bedroom Granny Flats – Which Is Better?
Official Sources Used to Verify the 2026 Rules
The following official Council, Queensland Government, utility and National Construction Code sources were used to verify the rules and requirements summarised on this page. They are included for transparency, verification and further reading.
Council planning scheme status, secondary-dwelling rules, and infrastructure charges reviewed 27 October 2026. Building siting and site-specific approvals must be independently confirmed.
City of Moreton Bay - MBRC Planning Scheme: Secondary dwelling
City of Moreton Bay - MBRC Planning Scheme / Dwelling house code and secondary-dwelling requirements
City of Moreton Bay - Better Housing Amendment / secondary-dwelling policy changes
City of Moreton Bay - Secondary dwellings and granny flats (building requirements)
City of Moreton Bay - Current MBRC Planning Scheme online
City of Moreton Bay - Dwelling houses in Flood hazard overlay areas
City of Moreton Bay - Dwelling houses in Coastal hazard areas
City of Moreton Bay - Stormwater on Council land and private property
City of Moreton Bay - Plumbing and drainage
City of Moreton Bay - Infrastructure charges / Moreton Bay Regional Council Charges Resolution (No. 10)
City of Moreton Bay - New Planning Scheme Review / Reshaping our city's planning
Queensland Government / Business Queensland - Queensland Development Code
Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works - Queensland Housing Code, pending publication version (August 2026)
Queensland Legislation - Building and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2026
Queensland Legislation - Building Regulation 2021 transition provisions
Queensland Government - QDC MP1.1: Design and siting standards for single detached housing on lots under 450 m2
Queensland Government - QDC MP1.2: Design and siting standards for single detached housing on lots 450 m2 and over
Queensland Government - QDC MP1.4: Building over or near relevant infrastructure
Queensland Government Planning - Changes to secondary dwellings
Unitywater - Building over pipes and easements
Unitywater - Building and renovating / second dwelling connections
National Construction Code 2022 Housing Provisions - Part 9.2 Fire separation of external walls