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Granny Flat Surveys Sydney

Accurate surveying for secondary dwellings on residential properties.

Accurate surveys for granny flats across Sydney
Fast turnaround for design, approvals, and construction
Fully compliant with NSW planning and zoning rules

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Accurate Granny Flat Site Surveys

MCS Surveyors provide detailed, reliable granny flat surveys to support the planning, design, and construction of secondary dwellings across Sydney and New South Wales. Whether you are building a freestanding unit or an attached extension, our team of experienced surveyors will help you comply with regulations and move your project forward with confidence.

Granny flats continue to grow in popularity across Sydney as homeowners look to increase living space, add rental income, or create independent accommodation for family members. Before you begin design or construction, you will need accurate site data to ensure your granny flat is positioned correctly and meets all relevant planning requirements. That is where we come in.

What Is A Granny Flat?

A granny flat is a self-contained secondary dwelling located on the same lot as a primary residence. It may be attached to the main house, built within it, or constructed as a separate standalone building. Granny flats must include their own living, kitchen, and bathroom facilities and are commonly used for:

Multigenerational living arrangements
Rental accommodation or passive income
Home offices or studios
Accommodation for carers or ageing parents

Under the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), granny flats can be approved as complying developments provided the lot and proposed design meet specific criteria. If not, a development application (DA) may be required.

Why Are Granny Flat Surveys Needed?

Before a granny flat can be designed or approved, survey data is required to assess the suitability of the site and ensure the proposed structure complies with zoning, setback, and environmental requirements.

Granny flat surveys provide:

Accurate property boundaries and site dimensions
Existing building positions and distances to boundaries
Tree locations and other natural features
Ground levels, slope, and site contours
Easements, drainage lines, and utility information

This information is essential for your architect or designer to prepare plans that meet the NSW SEPP or local council development controls. Without a professional survey, your project may face delays, design changes, or even rejection at the approval stage.

Detail Survey

A detailed site survey forms the basis for architectural design. It includes all physical features of the land such as buildings, trees, fences, driveways, and ground levels. It also highlights any constraints such as easements or setbacks.

Boundary Identification Survey

This survey defines and marks the legal property boundaries and confirms the location of existing structures in relation to them. It is often required by councils or certifiers when building close to boundary lines.

Construction Set Out Survey

Before construction begins, we mark out the exact position of the granny flat on site based on approved plans. This ensures the builder places the structure correctly in accordance with the required setbacks and dimensions.

Final Identification Survey

Upon completion of construction, a final survey may be required to confirm that the granny flat has been built in the approved location and at the correct height. This is often needed to obtain an occupation certificate from your certifier or local council.

We tailor our services to your needs and can assist at any stage of the project, whether you are just starting the design or require final sign-off for occupation.

Complying Development or DA?

One of the first questions many homeowners ask is whether their granny flat can be approved through the fast-track complying development process or whether a full development application is required.

A complying development must meet several criteria including:

A minimum lot size of 450 square metres
The granny flat must be built in conjunction with the main dwelling
A maximum floor area of 60 square metres
Compliance with building setbacks, height limits, and landscaping requirements

If your proposal meets all the criteria outlined in the NSW SEPP, you can proceed with a private certifier rather than lodging a DA with council. However, if your lot does not meet the size, access, or zoning requirements, a development application may be necessary.

Our team can assist by providing the survey data needed to determine which approval pathway is right for you.

Common Considerations When Planning A Granny Flat

Building a granny flat involves several planning considerations. These include:

Lot size and shape
Smaller or irregularly shaped lots may limit the size or position of your granny flat. A survey helps identify available building space.
Access and separation
Providing independent access and maintaining privacy from the main dwelling may influence the layout or orientation of the building.
Significant trees or vegetation
Some local councils have strict rules around tree preservation. Our surveys identify existing tree locations to help you avoid conflicts during design and construction.
Service connections
Drainage, electricity, and water connections for the granny flat must be planned carefully. Site levels and existing infrastructure influence how services are connected.

All asset owner conditions are included with your DBYD plans and must be reviewed carefully. If you are unsure, our team can help interpret the requirements and recommend safe control measures.

Why Choose MCS Surveyors?

With over 30 years of combined experience in residential land surveying, MCS Surveyors is trusted by homeowners, designers, and builders across Sydney for accurate, efficient, and council-compliant survey services.

When you work with us, you get:

Registered and experienced land surveyors
Fast turnaround and clear communication
Survey plans tailored for design, approval, and construction
Expertise in granny flat projects of all types and sizes

We work closely with architects, certifiers, and councils to ensure your granny flat project progresses smoothly from concept to completion.

Granny Flat Surveys Sydney

Accurate Granny Flat Site Surveys

What Is A Granny Flat?

Why Are Granny Flat Surveys Needed?

Our Granny Flat Surveying Services

Detail Survey

Boundary Identification Survey

Construction Set Out Survey

Final Identification Survey

Complying Development or DA?

Common Considerations When Planning A Granny Flat

Lot size and shape

Access and separation

Significant trees or vegetation

Service connections

Why Choose MCS Surveyors?

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