2017-04-11 P&E Agenda Attachment 1 to Item 1 Housing Needs Assessment

30 over the last 2.5 years). The Planning Scheme amendments that no longer require a secondary
dwelling to be occupied by a relative or employee may increase their attractiveness and their rate
of uptake. However factors that may decrease their attractiveness could be:

       The secondary dwelling must be physically attached to the main house in a Residential
        Zone (this limits the ability to provide fire separation and therefore affects the
        classification of the building and potentially house insurance);
       An infrastructure charge will be levied on the secondary dwelling;
       The secondary dwelling cannot be strata titled.

Given the limited undeveloped land available in Noosa Shire, it appears important that secondary
dwellings play the role that is envisaged of them, while preserving the amenity of existing
neighbours. Given the difficulties in relation to the first factor, it may be appropriate for this to be
reviewed.

While requirements vary somewhat amongst Councils in general a secondary dwelling will be
self-assessable under circumstances such as:

       It meets a maximum GFA (which varies between 45m2 and 100m2 dependent on Local
        Governments and zones).
       There may be a minimum lot size applicable (such as 600m2 in Sunshine Coast).
       There may be a maximum separation from the main dwelling (such as 20m in Brisbane city
        or 10m on the Gold Coast).
       A maximum site cover for combined dwellings will apply (typically 50%).
       The secondary dwelling cannot be subdivided or community titled at a later date.

Some Local Governments insist that for self-assessment both households maintain a relationship
or association such as the sharing of utility bills. Few require physical connection of the
secondary dwelling to the main house and fire separation is optional.

It would appear appropriate that monitoring be undertaken of the uptake of secondary dwellings
under the amendments, and also any issues that are raised by neighbours or applicants are
recommended to be recorded and used for review of the provisions in an appropriate timeframe.


 Recommended Actions for Consideration:

    38. A fact sheet be prepared and the amendments to secondary dwellings be publicised to make
        people aware of this option for providing smaller accommodation.

    39. The provision that the secondary dwelling must be physically attached to the main house in a
        Residential Zone be reviewed.

    40. The uptake of secondary dwellings be monitored over a suitable timeframe.

    41. Any issues raised by neighbours or applicants during this timeframe be recorded and collated.

    42. A review be undertaken of the provisions at the completion of the timeframe, informed by the
        information collected and in consultation with the building and design industry.




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