Granny Flat Approval Pathway Wizard
See whether Complying Development or a full DA is more likely in your state. Not a substitute for certifier advice.
Approval wizard questions
What is the difference between CDC and DA for a granny flat?
Complying Development (CDC) is a faster certifier-led pathway when your proposal meets fixed standards in the Housing SEPP or equivalent state code. A Development Application (DA) goes through council assessment when you cannot meet those standards or your lot has overlays.
Can I use this wizard instead of a certifier?
No. This wizard only flags which pathway is more likely based on your inputs. A private certifier or council still makes the final call after surveying setbacks, BASIX, flood overlays and other site-specific rules.
Related guides
Tools give you a starting point. These pages go deeper on rules, costs and design.
Primary sources
Size caps, approval pathways and dollar bands on this page are planning ranges. Check the current official page before you lodge or sign.
- NSW Planning Portal
- Victorian planning
- Queensland planning
- WA planning (DPLH)
- PlanSA
- Australian Building Codes Board


