MBRC Planning Scheme 2016 version 7 updates - Secondary dwelling

The information below relates to the key policy changes for a Secondary dwelling under the current MBRC Planning Scheme 2016 (version 7) incorporating the Better Housing Amendment, which commenced on 30 October 2024.

The following has changed for a Secondary dwelling:

  • Minimum site area:
    •  Introduced a minimum site area in certain zones. See table below.
  • Maximum gross floor area (GFA) of secondary dwelling:
    • Maximum GFA now linked to lot size and not lot frontage width alone.
  • Setbacks:
    • In certain zones, there are changes to setbacks for side/rear (to wall) and outer most projection. See table below.
  • Shared infrastructure services:
    • Secondary and primary dwellings cannot be connected to separate services. For example, electricity and water (for further requirements, including sub-metering refer to Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code).
  • Access to off-street parking/on-site open space:
    • Occupants of the primary and secondary dwelling can access off-street parking and on-site open space (i.e. without restrictions such as fencing or other barriers intended to provide exclusive access).
  • Sitting/orientation of freestanding Secondary dwellings in Coastal communities and Suburban neighbourhood precincts of the General residential zone:
    • New requirement that the primary entry and any balconies, decks and patios are directed inwardly toward primary dwelling to protect the privacy and amenity of adjoining neighbours.

The table below compares the current and previous requirements for Secondary dwellings where the Dwelling house code applies. It should be noted that the Dwelling house code applies to a Secondary dwelling in the following zones/precincts:

  • General residential zone
  • Emerging community zone - Transition precinct if on a developed lot
  • Redcliffe Kippa-Ring local plan - Interim residential precinct
  • Caboolture West local plan - Urban living precinct (Next generation neighbourhood sub-precinct) if on a developed lot.
Secondary Dwelling standards Previous MBRC Planning Scheme (Version 6 superseded on 30 October 2024) Current MBRC Planning Scheme (Version 7 effective on 30 October 2024)
Minimum Lot area/dimension  No requirement

General Residential Zone - Coastal Communities and Suburban Neighbourhood precincts:

  • Minimum 600m2 + 12.5m frontage width

All other precincts under the Dwelling House Code:

  • Minimum 450m2 + 10m frontage width
Maximum gross floor area (GFA)
  • 45m2 if primary frontage less than 15m; or
  • 55m2 if primary frontage of 15m or more.
  • 45m2 if lot between 450 - 800m2
  • 55m2 if lot ≥800m2
Shared services No requirement

The primary dwelling and secondary dwelling share single services for:
Orientation of Secondary dwelling No requirement

Suburban Neighbourhood and Coastal Communities precincts of the General residential zone only:

  • Orientate primary entry, or any patio, balcony or deck inwardly to face the primary dwelling and not adjoining properties.
Access to open space/off-street parking No requirement On-site open space and allocated off-street car parking is accessible to all occupants of the primary dwelling and secondary dwelling.
Where in Emerging community zone - Transition precinct (developed lot), General residential zone - Next generation neighbourhood precinct and Caboolture West local plan - Urban living precinct - Next generation sub-precinct
Rear setbacks (to wall) Refer to setback as in the Queensland Development Code (QDC) measured to Outermost projection (OMP).
  • Min 5m (to wall) for lot depths > 25m

OR

Where the longest side boundary is ≤25m

  • Min 3m (to wall)

OR

where the primary frontage is ≤ 9.5m (terrace/ row housing):

  • Min 3m (to wall)

OR

Where the primary frontage is ≤ 9.5m and the lot is adjoining a park or directly opposite a park fronting the same street

  • refer to standard as in QDC but measured to wall.
Side Setbacks Refer to setback as in QDC

 Minimum side setback to wall:

  • 1m or QDC sliding scale if >1m (QDC Table A2 standard to be measured to wall).

Minimum side setback to OMP:

  • As per wall setback minus 0.5m (allows for eaves overhanging into setbacks).
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