Converting a shed into a granny flat

If the total work value exceeds $12,000 or more, include a Certificate of Building Indemnity Insurance taken out by the builder (which is job specific) as per the Building Work Contractors Act 1998. Alternatively, provide a breakdown of works. Find out more at:

SA Legislation | Building indemnity insurance

This is required for all work over $40,000 and is directly paid on the CITB website. A copy of receipt is to be given to council with lodgement.

Construction Industry Training Board | Lodge and Pay a Levy

Be prepared to pay the necessary application fees and other charges required by council for processing subject application(s) and corresponding inspections.

Consider engaging with professionals such as builders, engineers, or private certifiers to assist with planning and ensuring compliance with building codes.

Note that council is not able to suggest recommendations for industry professionals and must remain neutral.

However, PlanSA have a page featuring Accredited professionals register within the government and private sector.

Additional documents or information may be requested by council based on site-specific conditions.

Drawn to a common scale between 1:100 and 1:500, the site plan must display the following information:

• Approximate north point
• Locations of any existing and proposed retaining walls
• The boundaries and dimensions of the site and any relevant easements
• The positions and dimensions of all existing and proposed building work and the boundaries and proposed building setback dimensions
• The finished floor levels (FFL) for the proposed building in relation to adjacent curb levels
• The method of stormwater drainage
• The location of any regulated or significant trees on the site or on adjoining land that might be affected by the work or that might affect the work proposed to be performed.

Submit detailed elevation plans including all dimensions, ground paving levels, thresholds, and clearances of underfloor, construction materials, doors, and window details.

• Floor/roof framing, walls framing and bracing layouts
• Fixing schedule: bolds, screws, nails, brackets etc will be used
• Tie down and connections: connection details for floor, wall, and roof
• framing
• Wall lining and stair system: specifications and installation details
• Downpipes: sizing, locations, and stormwater connections/discharge.

Submit a footing construction report and foundation soil assessment.

Ensuring that it complies with the NCC (National Construction Code) and the relevant Australian Standards:

• AS 2870 – Residential slabs and footings
• AS 1684 – Residential timber framed construction

Under Clause H6D2 of the NCC, it is required to provide a report that details the Methods of Satisfying Requirements (e.g. a report using house energy rating software or method complying with Part 13 of the ABCB Housing Provisions).

ABCB | NCC Volume Two - Building Code of Australia Class 1 and 10 buildings - Section H Class 1 and 10 buildings

Demonstrate how the converted structure will meet Health and Amenity requirements as outlined in NCC. This includes:

• Ventilation (natural or mechanical)
• Natural light
• Other essential health aspects

Waterproofing wet areas and specifics for wet areas including drawings and details specific to the work in accordance with the Australian Standard:

AS 3740 – Waterproofing of domestic wet areas

Provide documentation demonstrating the prevention of moisture rising from the ground. Vapor barriers damp-proof courses (DPC) waterproofing, as required by NCC.

Specify the termite protection measures that will be implemented, ensuring compliance with NCC and Australian Standard:

AS 3660 – Termite management

Submit a layout of smoke alarms. Ensuring they are interconnected if more than one hardwired to comply with NCC and the Australian Standard:

AS 3786 – Smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization

If the property is in a bushfire-prone area, include a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment if located within (or within 100m of) a High Risk area.

Ensure that construction complies Ministerial Building Standard 008 (MBS 008) – Designated bushfire prone areas (if applicable) instrument, and the Australian Standard:

AS 3959:2018 – Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas

Find out if a property is within a Hazard (Bushfire) area by using the SAPPA (South Australian Property and Planning Atlas) tool on the PlanSA website.