Granny Flats Logan – City Council Rules, Approvals, Costs & Site Requirements
If you're researching granny flats in Logan, the first step is understanding what your particular property can support. Logan has specific rules around secondary-dwelling size, location, parking, servicing, infrastructure charges and site constraints, so the property should be assessed before detailed design begins.
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 Logan City Council.
Logan City Council Granny Flat Quick Facts
These quick facts provide a practical starting point. The Logan Planning Scheme 2015, Queensland Development Code (QDC), National Construction Code (NCC), infrastructure and property-specific overlays can change the outcome for an individual site.
🎯 Maximum secondary dwelling size – residential zone, lot under 1,000 m²: Up to 70 m² GFA.
🎯 Maximum secondary dwelling size – otherwise: Up to 100 m² GFA.
🎯 Minimum lot size: No minimum lot size is specified by Council for a secondary dwelling, although the property must still satisfy all applicable planning, siting and servicing requirements.
Minimum frontage: No specific minimum frontage is stated for a secondary dwelling. Other access, driveway and siting requirements can still apply.
🏡 Location relative to the main dwelling: The secondary dwelling may be beside, behind, below or above the primary dwelling, but not in front of it. If detached, it must generally be no more than 20 m from the primary dwelling.
✅ Building Approval required: Yes. A new secondary dwelling requires building approval through a private building certifier.
🤷 Development Approval required: Not always. Secondary dwellings are typically accepted development subject to requirements. If the applicable planning requirements cannot be met, a development application is required.
Plumbing approval: Generally required for new secondary dwelling plumbing and drainage work. Logan City Council administers plumbing applications and inspections.
Infrastructure charges: Yes. Logan City Council states that infrastructure charges apply to secondary dwellings.
Water and sewer servicing: Separate water meters are required. The primary and secondary dwelling may use a single sewer connection point.
Property address and bins: The secondary dwelling must have an individual property address. A rubbish-bin service is required for each dwelling.
Parking – detached secondary dwelling: A minimum of 4 car spaces is required for the premises where the secondary dwelling is detached.
Parking – attached / incorporated secondary dwelling: A minimum of 2 car spaces is required where the secondary dwelling is not detached.
Typical front setback – where QDC applies: For a standard lot of 450 m² or more, QDC MP1.2 generally starts at 6.0 m to the road unless the Logan Planning Scheme contains an alternative siting standard.
Typical side / rear setback – where QDC applies: Generally 1.5 m for the relevant part of a building up to 4.5 m high, increasing for taller parts. Logan Planning Scheme alternative standards can override the QDC in some zones and precincts.
Corner blocks: QDC corner-lot road-frontage and sight-line provisions apply unless a Logan Planning Scheme alternative standard applies. The nominated road frontage and property-specific planning controls must be checked.
NCC fire-separation threshold: 1.8 m is an important NCC fire-separation 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. Logan City Council’s current domestic housing guidance states that secondary dwellings can be occupied by different households and independently rented out.
✅ 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: Flooding, bushfire, biodiversity and vegetation, waterways and wetlands, landslide and steep slopes, sewer and water mains, stormwater, easements, access, retaining walls 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 Logan?
A new secondary dwelling in Logan requires building approval, and plumbing and drainage approval will generally also be required. A separate Logan City Council development approval is not always required where the proposal meets all applicable accepted-development requirements.
If one or more applicable planning requirements cannot be met, a development application or other referral may be required. The property’s zoning, overlays, setbacks, infrastructure and site constraints should therefore be checked before detailed design begins.
Related guide: Granny Flat Approval Process – From Site Assessment to Construction
Why Choose Hive Small Homes for Your Logan 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, overlays and other constraints before recommending the most suitable approach.
If you are comparing granny flat builders in Logan, 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
Logan City Council Granny Flat Rules – What You Need to Know
In Logan, a granny flat is generally treated as a secondary dwelling that forms part of a dwelling house. It is a separate self-contained dwelling on the same lot and with the same owner as the primary dwelling. It cannot be separately subdivided or separately titled.
The current Logan City Council size limits are straightforward: a secondary dwelling is limited to 70 m² GFA where it is in a residential zone on a lot less than 1,000 m², or 100 m² GFA otherwise. Council’s domestic housing guidance also confirms that garages, carports, decks and patios are excluded from the GFA calculation.
💡 Current planning scheme: Logan Planning Scheme 2015 Version 9.2 remains the current scheme as at 28 August 2026 and commenced on 1 July 2025. Its flood provisions and hazard mapping are currently affected by Temporary Local Planning Instrument No. 1/2024, which commenced on 6 March 2025. The draft Logan Plan is not yet in force. Public consultation closed on 31 October 2025; Council's submissions progress report, updated 24 August 2026, shows issue investigation is still in progress.
Location and Relationship to the Main Dwelling
Council’s current domestic housing guidance states that a secondary dwelling may be located beside, behind, below or above the primary dwelling, but not in front of it. The two dwellings may be attached, incorporated within the same building or detached. Where detached, the secondary dwelling must generally be separated from the primary dwelling by no more than 20 m.
Do I Need Development Approval?
Not necessarily. Logan City Council states that secondary dwellings are typically accepted development subject to requirements under the Logan Planning Scheme 2015. A Council development approval is generally not required where the proposal complies with all applicable planning requirements.
If one or more applicable planning requirements cannot be met, a development application must be lodged. The planning enquiry tool in the Logan PD Hub can identify the relevant zone, overlays, assessment triggers and development codes for an individual property.
Building Approval
Yes. A new secondary dwelling requires building approval through a private building certifier. The certifier assesses the building work against the Building Act, NCC, Queensland Development Code and applicable building assessment provisions, and will identify whether any Council referral is required.
Plumbing Approval
New secondary dwellings generally involve plumbing and drainage permit work. Logan City Council administers Form 1 plumbing and drainage applications, carries out inspections and issues the relevant compliance documentation.
Water, Sewer, Bins and Property Address
Logan has several practical servicing requirements that are useful to understand early. Council’s domestic housing fact sheet states that the primary and secondary dwelling must have separate water meters, while both dwellings may connect to a single sewer connection point. Each dwelling also requires its own rubbish-bin service.
Secondary dwellings must also be allocated an individual property address in accordance with Council’s numbering system. A separate letterbox may be provided.
Parking and Driveway Access
Council’s current domestic housing guidance requires a minimum of 4 car spaces for the premises where the secondary dwelling is detached. Where the secondary dwelling is attached or incorporated into the main dwelling, the minimum is 2 car spaces.
For residential properties with a lot frontage of less than 30 m, the premises must generally have only one vehicular crossover. The exact driveway layout should therefore be considered during the preliminary site assessment.
Infrastructure Charges
Infrastructure charges apply to secondary dwellings in Logan. Logan City Council calculates development infrastructure charges under the Logan Charges Resolution. The current Logan Charges Resolution (No. 12) 2025 commenced on 1 September 2025.
Council’s Infrastructure Charges Estimator in the Logan PD Hub can be used to estimate the likely charge for a proposed secondary dwelling.
Special Areas – Yarrabilba and Greater Flagstone
The Logan Planning Scheme does not apply within the Yarrabilba and Greater Flagstone Priority Development Areas. Development in those areas is managed by Economic Development Queensland, so the normal Logan Planning Scheme rules should not be assumed to apply.
Setbacks and Building Siting
Setbacks in Logan need to be checked against both the Logan Planning Scheme and the Queensland Development Code. The QDC provides the default siting standards for detached housing, but a local planning scheme can contain alternative boundary-clearance and siting standards that override the QDC.
The summary below therefore gives the current QDC starting points for typical residential lots and highlights where a Logan Planning Scheme check is essential.
💡 Queensland Housing Code transition: The Queensland Housing Code (QDC Parts 1.1 and 1.2) was published on 3 August 2026 and the transition period commenced on 1 September 2026. During the transition, the Code applies in a local-government area when the relevant planning scheme specifies how it applies. Existing council planning-scheme siting provisions can continue until Council adopts or aligns with the Code, or until 1 September 2029, whichever occurs first. Logan's current planning scheme and any alternative provisions must therefore still be checked for the individual property.
Standard lot – 450 m² or more
Front / road: Generally 6.0 m under QDC MP1.2 unless a Logan Planning Scheme alternative standard applies
Side: Generally 1.5 m for building parts up to 4.5 m high; 2.0 m for parts over 4.5 m to 7.5 m
Rear: Generally the same QDC height-based clearance as the side boundary
Corner / important note: Check the Logan ePlan for zone/precinct-specific alternative standards.
Corner lot – 450 m² or more
Front / road: Generally 6.0 m to road frontages under QDC MP1.2 unless an alternative standard applies
Side: Use the applicable side clearance to the non-road boundary
Rear: Use the applicable rear clearance to the non-road boundary
Corner / important note: If average lot depth is 24 m or less, the nominated frontage can use QDC Table A1. A 9 m × 9 m corner building truncation also applies.
Lot under 450 m²
Front / road: QDC MP1.1 provides a 3.0 m baseline to an access place/access street or 4.0 m to a collector street, unless Logan alternative standards apply
Side: Generally 1.5 m for parts of the building up to 4.5 m high
Rear: Generally 1.5 m for parts of the building up to 4.5 m high
Corner / important note: Always confirm the applicable Logan zone/precinct before relying on the generic QDC figure.
Corner lot under 450 m²
Front / road: QDC MP1.1 baseline: 3.0 m access street or 4.0 m collector street
Side: Generally 1.5 m to non-road boundary for parts up to 4.5 m high
Rear: Generally 1.5 m to non-road boundary for parts up to 4.5 m high
Corner / important note: QDC baseline corner-side road setback is 1.0 m to an access street or 2.0 m to a collector street; Logan alternative standards may override.
Standard QDC Setbacks
The Queensland Housing Code transition commenced on 1 September 2026. Existing local-government planning-scheme siting provisions can continue during the transition until Council specifies how the Code applies, or until 1 September 2029, whichever occurs first. Logan's current planning scheme and any applicable alternative provisions therefore remain important for the individual property.
For lots of 450 m² or more, current QDC MP1.2 generally uses a 6 m road setback. The QDC also contains provisions that can allow the road setback to respond to the setbacks of existing dwellings on adjoining lots.
For side and rear boundaries, the standard QDC clearance is 1.5 m where the relevant part of the building is 4.5 m high or less. It increases to 2 m where that part is higher than 4.5 m but not more than 7.5 m. Higher building parts require further increases. Narrow-lot concessions can also apply under QDC MP1.2.
Logan Planning Scheme Alternative Setbacks
The Logan Planning Scheme contains local siting provisions for dwelling houses in some zones and precincts. Where one of those alternative standards applies, it takes precedence over the generic QDC setback. This is particularly important on small lots, acreage and rural properties, and properties affected by local-plan or overlay provisions.
Because the applicable Logan standard depends on the property’s actual zone and precinct, the current Logan ePlan or PD Hub should be checked before a setback is treated as final.
Corner Blocks
Corner lots need separate assessment because two boundaries adjoin roads. Under QDC MP1.2, a standard 450 m²+ corner lot generally starts with a 6 m setback to road frontages. If the average lot depth is 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 standard 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 two road frontages. Separate sight-line controls can also affect fences, screens and retaining walls near the corner.
For lots under 450 m², QDC MP1.1 provides a baseline of 3 m to an access place/access street with a 1 m corner-side road setback, or 4 m to a collector street with a 2 m corner-side road setback. Logan Planning Scheme alternative standards must still be checked.
How Setbacks Are Measured
QDC setbacks are generally measured from the outermost projection of the building or structure to the property boundary. For a roof, that can mean the outside face of the fascia or roof structure rather than simply the external wall. Where the Logan Planning Scheme specifies a different measurement point, the planning-scheme provision should be followed.
Separation from the Existing Dwelling
Logan City Council’s current domestic housing guidance requires a detached secondary dwelling to be no more than 20 m from the primary dwelling. This is a maximum planning relationship between the two dwellings rather than a minimum fire-separation distance.
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 the 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 may be possible where walls, openings, eaves and other elements are designed to comply with the NCC. The private building certifier should confirm the final requirement.
Common Site Constraints
A property can meet the basic secondary-dwelling size requirements and still have constraints that affect the building location, engineering, approval pathway and cost. Common Logan issues include:
Water and sewer infrastructure – building over or near Council infrastructure is assessed under QDC MP1.4 and can require a BOONRI concurrence-agency referral where the acceptable solutions cannot be met.
Stormwater and drainage – roof water and surface water must be lawfully managed, and Council-controlled drainage easements can restrict building locations.
Easements – registered easements can limit the buildable area or require additional consent or engineering.
Flooding – the current Logan Planning Scheme flood provisions and hazard mapping are affected by Temporary Local Planning Instrument No. 1/2024. Flood risk should be checked through the Logan Flood Portal.
Bushfire hazard – bushfire overlays can affect siting, construction and access requirements.
Biodiversity and protected vegetation – primary and secondary vegetation management areas can restrict clearing and may require operational works approval.
Waterway corridors and wetlands – mapped waterways and wetlands can trigger vegetation and development restrictions.
Landslide hazard and steep slopes – slope can influence excavation, retaining, footing design and the approval pathway.
Retaining walls – existing or proposed retaining can affect drainage, engineering and site layout.
Narrow or restricted access – limited access can affect excavation methods, equipment, material handling and construction costs.
Soil conditions – reactive or poor soils can require upgraded footing systems following the soil test.
Building envelopes / local-plan controls – some properties have additional controls that reduce the practical buildable area.
On-site wastewater – unsewered properties can require on-site sewage treatment and additional plumbing assessment.
Additional Approval Requirements
Depending on the property and proposed design, additional approvals or referrals may include:
BOONRI concurrence-agency referral – where work over or near Council water or sewer infrastructure does not comply with QDC MP1.4.
Boundary setback relaxation / siting referral – where the proposal does not meet an applicable QDC or Logan Planning Scheme siting standard.
Material Change of Use or Building Work Assessable Against the Planning Scheme – where a secondary dwelling cannot satisfy the accepted-development requirements.
Flood assessment – where the current flood overlay or Temporary Local Planning Instrument affects the property.
Vegetation clearing approval – where protected native vegetation, biodiversity areas, waterways or wetlands are affected.
Bushfire or landslide assessment – where the applicable hazard overlay affects the property.
Stormwater or drainage assessment – where drainage easements, lawful point of discharge or overland-flow issues affect the site.
On-site wastewater approval – for properties not connected to reticulated sewer.
Plumbing permit and inspections – for the plumbing and drainage work associated with the secondary 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 Logan because a secondary dwelling has specific GFA, location, parking, servicing, addressing and infrastructure-charge requirements. A detached extension is a different building and planning solution and should be assessed under the requirements that apply to that form of work.
The Shailer Park project below is a practical example of this approach: the owners needed a dedicated home office rather than an independent secondary dwelling, so a detached extension was assessed as the more suitable solution for the intended use.
Real Hive Project – Shailer Park Detached Home Office Extension
In Shailer Park, Hive Small Homes coordinated a 40 m² detached extension with a 2.45 m² deck to create a dedicated home-office environment and flexible additional space. The project replaced an existing garage used for car parking and storage, with the new building positioned to align with the existing driveway.
Location: Shailer Park, Logan City
Project type: Detached extension / home office
🎯 Size: 40 m² GFA + 2.45 m² deck
Purpose: Home-based business / office, with bedroom/office, living/office and bathroom spaces
Builder: Ranjit Johal
Construction period: 23 November 2023 to May 2024
Approximate project cost: $130,000 (2023–24 project; not a current price guide)
Structure: Timber frame on a raised floor system with engineered footings / steel posts
External cladding: James Hardie Primeline cladding
Roof: Insulated Delta panel skillion roof
Flooring: Hybrid vinyl flooring
Air conditioning: 5 kW split-system air conditioner
Sanitaryware: Supplied by Express Plumbing
Why a Detached Extension Was Chosen
The client needed a dedicated home office rather than an independent secondary dwelling. For this project, the home-based business use meant infrastructure charges that would have applied to a secondary dwelling did not apply, making a detached extension a more suitable pathway for the intended use. This was a project-specific outcome, and approval and infrastructure-charge requirements should always be checked for the particular property and proposed use.
Site and Approval Considerations
The preliminary property assessment identified Low Density Residential zoning and a steep-landscape / landslide consideration. It did not identify easement, flooding, bushfire, vegetation protection, character or heritage, or noise constraints. The approved site plan also showed existing retaining and rock walls, while the existing garage occupied the preferred building area.
How the Design Responded to the Site
The existing garage was demolished and the new detached extension was aligned with the edge of the existing driveway. The approved design used a raised floor system with engineered footings and steel posts, timber framing and a low-pitched insulated skillion roof. Internally, the 40 m² layout provided a bedroom/office, living/office area and bathroom, with a small entry deck.
Construction and Finishes
Construction commenced on 23 November 2023 and was completed in May 2024 by builder Ranjit Johal. Key finishes included James Hardie Primeline external cladding, insulated Delta roof panels, hybrid vinyl flooring and a 5 kW split-system air conditioner. Sanitaryware was supplied by Express Plumbing.
Project Outcome
The completed extension created a dedicated home-based work environment while retaining flexible bedroom/office and living/office spaces. It is a useful example of why the intended use of a new building should be considered before assuming that a granny flat is the best solution. In some circumstances, a detached extension can provide a simpler and more appropriate outcome for additional home-office, studio, guest or family space.
Considering a home office or detached extension in Logan? Hive Small Homes can review the property, intended use, site constraints and likely approval pathway before you commit to detailed plans.
Can a Logan Granny Flat Be Rented Out?
Yes.
Logan City Council’s current domestic housing fact sheet states that secondary dwellings can be occupied by different households and independently rented out. Queensland’s state-wide secondary-dwelling changes also removed restrictions based on family relationship.
The secondary dwelling must still remain on the same lot as the primary dwelling, have the same owner and comply with all applicable planning, building, servicing and fire-safety requirements.
Our Granny Flat Process in Logan
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 Logan City Council 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 development application, BOONRI referral, boundary relaxation, flood assessment, vegetation approval, on-site wastewater design or other specialist reports can take longer.
Custom Granny Flat Designs for Logan 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 Logan 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, overlays, setbacks, underground services and potential constraints affecting your property before you commit to a design.
We review available property information to help identify the likely secondary-dwelling size, approval pathway, infrastructure charges, flood or environmental constraints and other site-specific issues. This gives you a clearer understanding of what may be possible before spending money on detailed plans.
September 2026 Queensland Housing Code and Energy Update
Important: the Queensland Housing Code (QHC), comprising QDC Parts 1.1 and 1.2, commenced on 1 September 2026. It replaces the 2010 QDC Parts 1.1 and 1.2 at State level, but existing local-government planning-scheme siting provisions can continue during the transition until the council amends its planning scheme to state how the QHC applies, or 1 September 2029, whichever occurs first.
For that reason, the council-specific rules and figures already set out on this page remain important. A homeowner should not assume that every new QHC setback, site-cover or secondary-dwelling size figure automatically applies to the property today. The current council planning scheme, any alternative provisions, overlays, existing approvals and the building certifier's assessment must still be checked for the individual site.
Secondary-dwelling size under the new QHC
The QHC introduces a State acceptable-solution benchmark for a secondary dwelling of up to 50 m² internal floor area on lots under 1,000 m² and up to 60 m² internal floor area on lots of 1,000 m² or more. This is an acceptable solution rather than a universal planning-scheme GFA cap, it uses the QHC definition of internal floor area rather than the council's gross floor area measurement, and adopting councils can provide alternative provisions. The existing council size rules described elsewhere on this page should therefore continue to be checked until the council's QHC transition position is confirmed.
Energy efficiency - new small-home pathway
From 14 August 2026, QDC 4.1 provides a 5-star thermal-performance pathway for eligible small homes of 50 m² or less. Most houses and townhouses otherwise remain subject to the 7-star thermal-performance requirement, while eligible raised-floor houses can use the 6-star pathway. Whole of Home energy-budget requirements also continue to apply where relevant. Eligibility should be confirmed by the energy assessor and building certifier for the proposed design.
Other matters covered by the QHC
The QHC establishes updated State design-and-siting standards dealing with matters including building height, front/side/rear setbacks, site cover, privacy, car parking and access, private open space and landscaping. During the transition, the practical requirement for a particular property may still come from the council planning scheme or an existing local alternative provision. This page therefore retains the detailed current council information rather than replacing it with a single State-wide rule.
Logan transition note
Logan's current secondary-dwelling planning limits described on this page - including up to 70 m² GFA on relevant residential lots under 1,000 m² and up to 100 m² GFA otherwise - remain important during the transition. The QHC's internal-floor-area acceptable solution is a separate building-code benchmark and should not be treated as an automatic replacement for Logan's planning-scheme GFA limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a granny flat on my Logan property?
It depends on the property’s zoning, overlays, available building area, setbacks, services and other site-specific constraints. Secondary dwellings are generally accepted development where all applicable planning requirements are met. Read the site feasibility guide: Can I Build a Granny Flat on My Property
How large can a Logan granny flat be?
The maximum is 70 m² GFA where the property is in a residential zone and the lot is less than 1,000 m², or 100 m² GFA otherwise.
Is there a minimum lot size?
Council’s current domestic housing guidance does not specify a minimum lot size for a secondary dwelling. The property must still have enough compliant building area and meet all other planning, parking, access and servicing requirements.
What are the typical front, side and rear setbacks?
Where the QDC applies, a standard 450 m²+ lot generally starts at 6 m to the road and 1.5 m to side and rear boundaries for parts of the building up to 4.5 m high. Logan Planning Scheme alternative standards can override these figures, so the property’s zone and precinct need to be checked.
What setbacks apply to a corner block?
QDC corner-lot provisions generally start with 6 m road setbacks on 450 m²+ lots. A shallow lot with average depth of 24 m or less may use a reduced Table A1 setback to the nominated frontage. A 9 m × 9 m building truncation and separate sight-line controls also apply, subject to Logan alternative standards.
How far can the granny flat be from the existing house?
Council’s domestic housing fact sheet states that the dwellings may be attached or separated by no more than 20 m. NCC fire-separation rules apply where the buildings are close together.
Do I need Development Approval?
Not always. A complying secondary dwelling is typically accepted development subject to requirements. If the applicable planning requirements cannot be met, a development application is required.
Do I need Building Approval?
Yes. A new secondary dwelling requires building approval through a private building certifier.
Do I need plumbing approval?
Yes, new secondary dwellings generally involve plumbing and drainage permit work. Logan City Council administers plumbing applications and inspections.
Can I rent the granny flat to someone who isn’t a family member?
Yes. Logan City Council’s current domestic housing guidance states that a secondary dwelling can be occupied by different households and independently rented out.
How many car spaces do I need?
Council’s current guidance requires a minimum of 4 car spaces where the secondary dwelling is detached, or 2 car spaces where it is attached or incorporated into the primary dwelling.
Does the granny flat need a separate water meter?
Yes. Council’s domestic housing fact sheet states that separate water meters are required. The primary and secondary dwellings may use a single sewer connection point.
Does the granny flat need its own address?
Yes. Logan requires secondary dwellings to be allocated and display an individual property address in accordance with Council’s numbering system.
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 Logan’s planning and building 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. Building over or near Logan water and sewer infrastructure is assessed under QDC MP1.4. If the acceptable solutions cannot be met, a BOONRI concurrence-agency referral to Council is required. Related guide: Building Over or Near a Sewer Line
Can I build over stormwater infrastructure?
Possibly, but drainage infrastructure and easements can significantly restrict the building location. The asset location, easement terms and lawful stormwater-discharge requirements should be checked before design.
What if my property is flood affected?
Flood constraints can change the building location and approval pathway. Logan’s current flood provisions and hazard mapping are affected by Temporary Local Planning Instrument No. 1/2024, so the property should be checked through the Logan Flood Portal and current planning controls. Related guide: Granny Flat Flooding and Flood Assessment
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. Related guide: Granny Flats on Sloping Blocks
What if my property has an easement?
The easement should be assessed before the concept design is finalised. Sewer, water, drainage, access and other easements can restrict the buildable area or require additional consent. Related guide: Easements and Granny Flats
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?
Yes. Logan City Council states that infrastructure charges apply to secondary dwellings. The amount can be estimated through the Logan PD Hub Infrastructure Charges Estimator.
Important Information
The information on this page is intended as a general guide only. Every property is different. Zone and precinct, overlays, easements, infrastructure, flood controls, building siting and existing site conditions can all influence what can be built.
For advice specific to a property, Hive Small Homes recommends completing the preliminary site assessment before committing to detailed plans or consultant work.
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 published here for transparency, verification and further reading.
Sources checked: 6 September 2026. Current rules are distinguished from proposed or transitional changes. Requirements should be rechecked for the individual property before design or construction decisions are made.
Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works - Queensland Housing Code (QDC Parts 1.1 and 1.2), published 3 August 2026; transitional period commenced 1 September 2026 and ends 1 September 2029
Queensland Legislation - Building and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2026, including the local-government transition provisions
Queensland Government / Business Queensland - Queensland Development Code and Queensland Housing Code transitional arrangements
Queensland Government / Business Queensland - Modern Homes Standards and QDC 4.1 Sustainable Buildings, including the 5-star pathway for eligible small homes of 50 m² or less and the 6-star pathway for eligible raised-floor houses
Logan City Council - Residential projects
Logan City Council - Domestic Housing Fact Sheet: Dwelling houses, Secondary dwellings, Auxiliary units and Dual occupancies
Logan City Council - Logan Planning Scheme 2015 Version 9.2
Logan City Council - Logan Plan (proposed new planning scheme) and submissions/progress updates
Logan City Council - Infrastructure planning and charges / Logan Charges Resolution (No. 12) 2025
Logan City Council - Plumbing applications and inspections
Logan City Council - Building over or near a sewer or water main (BOONRI)
Logan City Council - Water and sewerage development
Logan City Council - Stormwater management
Logan City Council - Flood maps / Temporary Local Planning Instrument No. 1/2024
Logan City Council - Vegetation protection
Logan City Council - Development applications, PD Hub and overlay advice
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
National Construction Code 2022 Housing Provisions - Part 9.2 Fire separation of external walls