How to Get Quick Building Approval in South-East Queensland
June 10, 2025
Let us help you save time and money with these easy to follow tips.
So, you're ready to build. Maybe it's a Granny Flat
for Mum, a teenager retreat, or a smart way to boost your property value. But before the dream takes shape, there's the not-so-glamorous hurdle of building approvals.
We hear this question all the time from families across the South East Queensland: "How do I get building approval quickly and without all the runaround?"
We've helped countless Queensland families cut through the red tape and get their Granny Flat projects moving faster. Here are our top tips to avoid lengthy approvals and start building sooner.
First things first – the aim is to qualify as a Secondary Dwelling. We'll share how you can do this below, and knowing these secrets is where you're going to save both time and money!
Secondary Dwelling Code: Your Fast-Track to Approval
By following a few simple rules, you'll be able to have a Private Certifier approve your Granny Flat instead of your local council. This isn't just a faster turnaround time – it can also save you thousands of dollars. Even better, if you're adding a Granny Flat for additional income, you'll start seeing a return on your investment much sooner.
Why Avoid Development Applications?
All councils, including the City of Gold Coast, follow a standardised development assessment process guided by the Planning Act 2016 and the Development Assessment Rules. This process involves several lengthy stages, including application, referral, information requests and then finally the decision from Council. Fortunately, the City Plan supports secondary dwellings, therefore if you have followed the requirements and provided the necessary documents, in most cases you will get approval. This is however where you'll spend months waiting and where possible, want to avoid.
Our Top Tips for Qualifying Under the Secondary Dwelling Code
Here's how to stay within the rules and fast-track your approval:
Stay Off the Boundaries
There are minimum distances that secondary dwellings must be built from your boundary lines. Knowing what these are and building within those requirements will save you significant time when it comes to approvals – and determines which approval pathway you'll need to take.
Stay Under 80m² - size matters
There are a few variations, but keeping your Granny Flat under 80m² on the Gold Coast will mean you'll be eligible to classify it as a Secondary Dwelling, which means faster approvals and lower costs. Note: Each council varies slightly on sizing, just contact us to find out more.
Build Within the Correct Zones
For most areas, your Granny Flat needs to be built within a specific distance of your main property. On the Gold Coast it's 20 metres for a rural property, or 10 metres from eave to eave on a low/medium density home, but again this can vary depending on which council area you're in. Building your Granny Flat within these requirements can again avoid delays. These requirements will be available from your local council and providing you abide by the zoning regulations; you can proceed under the Secondary Dwelling pathway.
The Bottom Line
If you go outside these rules, the council gets involved as your project becomes "code assessable" and a Development Application will need to be lodged. This means months of waiting and thousands in additional costs.
Stay within these simple guidelines and you can obtain Secondary Dwelling Code approval via a Private Certifier – meaning no council delays, faster approvals, and money saved.
The best part? We've already decoded this process for you.
Ready to build your Granny Flat smarter, not harder? Contact us today and discover how our proven process can get your project approved quickly and built to the highest standards. Let us help turn your vision into reality!
Founded by husband-and-wife team Sam and Krystle Barnett, BCC Homes is a family-owned company specialising in custom Granny Flats and renovations across South-East Queensland. After more than a decade in the construction industry, including over 1,200 homes built under Sam’s licence, we recognised a gap in the market, and an opportunity to build something that truly made a difference in people’s lives. That moment came when we met a homeowner who had been taken advantage of by another builder. Rather than walk away, Sam was driven to help. From that experience, BCC Homes was born: a business built on trust, service, and the belief that everyone deserves a quality home delivered with integrity. Our mission is clear: deliver exceptional, fairly priced housing solutions, built to the highest standards. Our vision: to become a leader in Granny Flat construction by aligning with trades, suppliers, and clients who share the commitment to quality and community. Granny Flats are so much more than just additional dwellings, they’re meaningful extensions of the home, spaces where memories are made, and family connections are deepened. Whether it becomes a first home for adult children or a forever home for parents or grandparents, a Granny Flat carries real emotional weight. That’s why we approach every build with the same level of care, respect, and thoughtfulness it deserves. Because these homes are built in the heart of family backyards, the relationship between builder and client must be strong, and rightly so. From day one, we’re hands-on, attending site inspections together, answering questions personally, and designing tailored solutions to suit each family’s unique needs. We don’t just build spaces, we create environments that feel like home from the moment you step inside. Behind the scenes, our systems are sharp and refined. From efficient qualification processes and transparent contracts to weekly team meetings and digital job tracking, every project is carefully managed to ensure smooth delivery and happy clients. But what truly sets BCC Homes apart is how we make people feel. Our clients aren’t treated like a number, they’re welcomed like family. Whether it’s a handshake or a heart-to-heart conversation on-site, the BCC experience is built around connection, respect, and results. Today, our growing referral base is a testament to that approach. With a trusted team of highly skilled trades and a clear passion for the craft, we continue to help everyday families unlock the potential of their property, one Granny Flat at a time. Clic k here to b ook a discovery call .
Discover how one family’s backyard vision came to life with a quick custom granny flat by BCC Homes, crafted with care to suit their growing lifestyle. Read on!
Granny Flat investments offer strong market value. Learn how BCC Homes helps investors build wealth with high-yield, well-designed rental properties!
Ready to start your granny flat journey in 2025? BCC Homes designs compliant, stylish granny flats that complement your main dwelling. Read on for more details!
BCC Homes wraps up 2024 on a high note, delivering homes despite December challenges. Thank you to everyone who made this year so rewarding. Merry Christmas!
BCC Homes won the 2024 QLD HIA ‘Start-Up Business’ award in Brisbane, recognising innovation, quality, and commitment to affordable housing. Read more!
Discover how BCC Homes redefined the Granny Flat in Kingsholme, aligning its specifications with the main house to create a seamless living experience. Read on!
Learn how to fit a granny flat on smaller blocks with BCC Homes. Find innovative solutions to maximize space and add value to your property. Learn more.
Stay updated with BCC Homes on the new Australian construction rules and regulations. Ensure compliance and excellence in your building projects. Learn more.
