FAQs when building a unit in a backyard

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You may have been thinking about building a unit in your backyard for a while now. However, you have lots of questions about how to go about it. In particular, you might be worried about whether the Council will approve the subdivision of your land to enable you to build.

Although each project is unique the following gives some information about what to expect when you build a unit in the rear of your property.

1. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO BUILD MY NEW UNIT?

Depending on how quickly you get planning permission from the Council, it can around 18 months or more from the beginning to the end of the project.

2. HOW DO I GO ABOUT GETTING THE LAND SUBDIVIDED?

You will need to apply to your Council to get your land subdivided. Your may also require a development application. This application shows where the proposed unit will be situated on the land. In addition, floor plans, elevations and shadow diagrams may be required. In particular, you need to make sure your plans are in compliance with the Victorian residential development laws. This is commonly referred to as ResCode.

3. WHEN I RECEIVE MY SUBDIVSION PERMIT DOES IT COME WITH ANY CONDITIONS?

When your Council issues you with a subdivision permit they usually do so with conditions which requires certain works to be completed to fulfil the permit conditions.

The works required to be undertaken usually include water, gas, electricity, sewerage and even NBN. 

4. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SERVICES HAVE BEEN CONNECTED?

Your Council will normally issue you with a Statement of Compliance when you have completed the works required. This Certificate of Compliance means you can then lodge a formal plan of subdivision which the Council then certifies. After this happens, you can then go to the Lands Titles Office to get the two (or more) new titles for your land.