A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for a small second dwelling

Building a small second dwelling in Victoria doesn't have to be complicated. Follow our Simple Step-by-Step Guide for a small second dwelling to get started.

Step 1: Understand Your Site Requirements & Design Parameters

Before choosing a design, it's important to understand the Victorian statutory requirements that may apply to your property and project.

Please note: Applicable statutory requirements include, but are not limited to, the following key requirements:

Key requirements to consider when planning a small second dwelling include:

Lot Size & Floor Area: A small second dwelling must have a gross floor area of 60m² or less. Additional planning requirements apply to lots under 300m², while other planning and building requirements may apply to lots over 300m² depending on the property and site.
Property Status: Must be on the same lot as an existing dwelling (the main home is retained).
Self-Contained (Class 1a): Must be fully self-contained, including its own kitchen facilities, bathroom, and toilet.
Siting & Placement: Must be located behind the front building line of the existing main home.
Coverage & Permeability: Must comply with applicable site coverage and permeability requirements. These generally include 60% maximum site coverage and 20% minimum permeability, but requirements may vary depending on the property, planning scheme and site-specific conditions.
Clear Access Path: Must have a clear, unobstructed access path from the front street to the dwelling of at least 1.0m wide (increasing to 1.8m wide if the access path exceeds 30m in length). The path must have a minimum clear height of 2.0m, a maximum gradient of 1 in 14, and a maximum cross-fall of 1 in 40. It must also be sealed or provide all-weather access.
Private Open Space: Must provide dedicated secluded private open space of at least 8m², with a minimum dimension of 1.6m. Note: The existing dwelling must also retain at least 25m² of private open space, with a minimum dimension of 3m.
All-Electric Design: Must be all-electric with no reticulated natural gas connection (where required by applicable planning provisions).
Parking: No additional car parking spaces are required under current regulations.

Owner Checks & Site Requirements:

Measure Your Backyard & Side Access: Take preliminary measurements of your backyard space and side pathways (length, width, and setbacks) to ensure your site can accommodate the building footprint, access width, and required open space.
Planning Controls & Title Check: As the property owner, you are responsible for verifying that your proposed development complies with all applicable planning controls affecting the land (zoning, overlays, restrictive covenants, Section 173 agreements, easements, and other site-specific restrictions).
Initial Assessment: Confirm site-specific requirements with a registered Building Surveyor, council town planning department (if required), and a qualified town planner (where required) to assess whether your block is suitable for the proposed development.

Step 2: Gather Your Site-Specific Documentation

Before a building permit can be issued, the required site-specific documentation must be gathered. Because every block of land is different, requirements will vary depending on your property.

What you (the client) will need to obtain:

This list may look a little daunting at first, but you don't need to organise everything at once. Most of these items can be arranged online or with a simple phone call to the relevant authority or specialist. You can work through them one at a time, as you are ready, and build up the information needed to move your project forward.

Copy of Title & Title Plan: Shows registered ownership, easements, and covenants. Where to get it: Obtain online via LANDATA® or an authorized land information broker.
Covenants, Encumbrances & Section 173 Agreements: Check the title and associated instruments for any restrictive covenants, encumbrances or Section 173 agreements that may restrict or affect how the property can be used or developed. Where to get them: Copies of registered documents and instruments can be obtained through LANDATA® or an authorised land information broker.
Feature & Level Survey: Maps the contours, existing structures, trees, boundaries and other relevant features of your block, including adjoining dwellings and structures. Where to get it: Engage a registered Victorian Land Surveyor and specify that the survey must include the adjoining dwellings and relevant features needed for the design.
Title Re-establishment Survey: May be required if building on or near a property boundary to verify the legal boundaries. Where to get it: Engaged directly from a registered Victorian Land Surveyor.
Geotechnical / Soil Report: Determines foundation design requirements and soil classification. Where to get it: Engaged directly from a qualified geotechnical engineer or soil testing specialist.
Property Information Report (Regulation 51(2)): Provides important information about your property, including whether it is affected by flooding, termite attack areas, bushfire attack levels, significant snowfall, designated land, or designated works. Where to get it: Apply directly through your local council's building/planning department.
Legal Point of Discharge (LPOD): Specifies the approved point of discharge for storm-water from your new dwelling. Where to get it: Apply directly through your local council's engineering department.
Asset & Sewerage Plans: Details underground utility pipes and sewer connection points on your block. Where to get it: Request through your local water authority (e.g., Greater Western Water, Yarra Valley Water, South East Water) or via Before You Dig Australia (BYDA).
Specialist Reports (If required for your site): Such as a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment, Bushfire Management Statement, or Land Capability Assessment (LCA for unsewered sites). Where to get it: Engaged directly through a suitably qualified specialist, where required.
Appointment of a Registered Building Surveyor: A registered Building Surveyor must be appointed to assess the documentation and issue the Building Permit. Where to get it: Appointed by you through a registered Private Building Surveyor (BPC registered).

What Small Second Dwellings Victoria will prepare:

In addition to your selected pre-designed and documented architectural design, we will prepare the following project-specific documentation:

Site-Specific Architectural Site Plan: Drafted to adapt your selected design package to your specific survey measurements.
Energy Assessment / Rating: Prepared to assess the design against applicable Victorian energy efficiency requirements.
Engineering Documentation (Regulation 126): Certified structural engineering computations and compliance certificates prepared by the project engineer.

Step 3: Choose Your Design

Once the groundwork and initial assessments are underway, you get to choose your layout! We offer standard design packages developed for a variety of needs—whether you are housing aging parents, creating a teenage retreat, or building a rental investment.

Note: While our designs are standardized, site-specific documentation (from Step 2) is always required to adapt the design to your specific block before a permit can be issued.

View Our Small Second Dwelling Designs

Step 4: Personalize Your Finishes (Cladding & Colours)

Now for the fun part! Once you have selected your standard design and the site plan is being drafted, you get to personalize the exterior and interior to suit your taste.

Exterior Cladding: Choose from our range of high-quality exterior cladding options to match your existing home or create a modern contrast.
Colour Schemes: Select your colours and finish options to make the space truly yours. Colorbond colours are used for corrugated claddings, roofing, guttering, fascia, and downpipes.

Please note: Your choice of colours and finishes may be subject to applicable planning controls or other site-specific requirements.

Step 5: Get in Touch & Start the Process

Ready to take the first step toward your new small second dwelling? Contact us today to discuss your site, explore our designs, and get a clear picture of how we can bring your project to life.

Please note: The documentation and approvals required for each project can vary depending on the property, site conditions, planning controls, and applicable building requirements. The owner is responsible for verifying compliance with all planning controls, covenants, agreements, and site-specific controls. Clients should confirm site-specific requirements with their Building Surveyor and relevant consultants.

For More Information

To learn more about Victoria's updated planning regulations and guidelines for small second dwellings, explore these official government resources:

Planning Victoria Portal: Check your property's zoning, planning overlays, and generate a property report at planning.vic.gov.au. & small second homes
Victorian Government Guide: Read the official framework on Making It Easier to Build a Small Second Home for detailed information on statutory rules, siting requirements, and permit exemptions.
Building & Plumbing Commission (BPC): Review technical standards, building permit compliance, and detailed regulations on the BPC Small Second Dwellings Guide.