Small second homes

On 14 December 2023, the Victorian Government introduced changes to the Boroondara Planning Scheme. These changes will support the development of land for a small second home.

What is a small second home? 

To meet the definition of a small second home, the building must:

• have a gross floor area of 60 square metres or less
• be located on the same lot as an existing home
• be used as a self-contained residence. 

The small second home must include:

• a kitchen sink
• food preparation facilities
• a bath or shower
• a toilet and wash basin.

Do you need a planning permit? 

In some cases, you won't need a planning permit for a small second home. However, you will always need a building permit. 

You won't need a planning permit if the small second home is in a residential area and: 

• is located on a lot greater than 300 square metres
• there is no more than one home already existing on the lot
• is the only small second home on the lot
• is not connected to reticulated natural gas.

You also won't need a planning permit if the small second home is affected by a Heritage Overlay or Design and Development Overlay and:

• the building height is no more than 5 metres
• the building uses muted tones and colours.

A planning permit may still be required in other overlays.

We can't grant a planning permit to allow a separate lot to be created for land containing a small second home.

Planning enquiry tool

Use myLot, our free planning enquiry tool, to help you:

• find overlays that apply to your property
• determine if your small second home requires a planning permit
• understand why a permit is or isn't needed, referencing the relevant planning rules and overlays.

This tool is intended as a helpful guide and isn’t a final planning decision.

Use our free planning enquiry tool

More information

For further information, please refer to the following brochure prepared by the State Government, or alternatively contact Council's Urban Planning department on (03) 9278 4888 for assistance.