Building a double storey with fire rated wall to split in to two dwellings

Has anyone thought about building as an owner-builder a large double story dwelling with a fire-rated wall in the middle to then split off into two separate dwellings at a later stage?

Wonder if that's at all possible?

 

Thought dual occupancy is about council approval and zoning, not just building code?

 

Tom, not sure from where you're from, but I'd be asking some one from your local council about it.

 

Cannot build dual occupancy under owner builder licence.

 

YES we have done this.

We build a development in Murrumbeena that was originally one house but was later converted into two dwellings.
There are some advantages in this but also some risks.

It can work well if you are clever about things
PAUL

 

I considered this in a situation where the Council would be unlikely to grant a planning permit for a dual occupancy. Basically build as a house with split services etc and a dividing wall (initially with openings). The plan was to then apply for planning approval after the house was built. Much more difficult for a Council to reject a split compared with a tight two units in the first place. Didn't proceed as plans changed. But it's certainly with thinking about

 

What if the council still said no? You demolish it?

 

Can happen.
Want to run the risk?

 

As a start you would make sure that the building would be technically compliant with planning requirements if split - eg open space, parking, site coverage etc. The argument would later come down to a discussion of "neighbourhood character". Difficult for the Council to win, as the building would be already there. Besides the fall back position would be having a large house, not two houses. Great care should be taken at the outset to put everything in place for the future application - think strategically.