Approve existing granny flat - NSW Hills council

Hi,

Sorry if the question was asked before, I'm a complete noob in this topic.
We've bought a house for PPOR with an existing detached granny flat on the property. The GF is not officially approved but the owners said it requires only adding fire walls to it in order to certify it as all other requirements are satisfied.

We don't intend to rent GF out but would like to use it as in-law accommodation.

What is a correct process to seek official approval?
Also is there a significant risk to get a fine or order to remove it to us as a new buyers (we are moving into the house in a few weeks).

Thank you!

 

The process requires approval PRIOR to construction.

Whether you rent it or dont thats not the problem. It classified as unapproved work.
If elements cant be inspected or the standard certified etc it could be a demo at your cost. (Reinstatement to original approval). Anytime. And selling it could be a problem.
You may be best to seek a local certifier who can give you guidance based on inspection to determine the issues and likelyhood of being OK

www.hillscertifiers.com.au site includes guide to fees etc but theese guys are council associated. An independent adviser may be wise.

baulkham hills Council region
Baulkham Hills Council Building Certifiers
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• BC
Castle Hill



2154
Certified Building Specialists Pty Ltd
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Carlingford



2118
Complying Development Certifiers
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Baulkham Hills



1755
Greenfield Certifiers Pty Ltd
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Castle Hill



2154
Local Certification Services Pty Ltd
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Baulkham Hills



2153
Michael Wynn-Jones & Associates Pty Ltd

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Baulkham Hills



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Prince Certifiers
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Baulkham Hills



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Terry West Building Approvals & Consultants Pty Ltd
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Castle Hill



2154

 

Thank you Paul!

Any personal recommendation for independent certifier for Castle Hill? If not, I will choose one of them randomly.

 

Did you get Title insurance when you purchased?

 

No, I didn't. But it wouldn't help as I knew that the GF is not approved at the time of signing the contract.

 

Definately try private certifiers first but as a town planner who has done many of these, usally the fact that it is an exiting struture will mean that not many private certifiers may tackle the job.

Typically it must go via a DA and BC. Some will go the BC only route but technically this only means that council will not take action against you for 7 years.

I had a guy call me two weeks ago who just moved into his newly purchased property and within 2 weeks council were knocking on his door wanting to inspect his unauthorsed granny flat (which was currenlty tenanted). They gave him 21 days to rectify the situation, either by starting the approval route or by removing the kitchen. He was also given an order to install smoke detectors within 7 days and supply proof to council (in this case Canterbury/Bankstown council)

 

I called few private certifiers from Paul's list and as @Anthony416 predicted none of them certifies existing structures.
Looks like I need to call the council for their instructions on how to get approval.