The Planning Scheme defines dwelling house, dual occupancy and secondary dwelling as follows:
Dwelling house means a residential use of premises involving either:
- one dwelling for a single household and any domestic outbuildings associated with the dwelling
- one dwelling for a single household, a secondary dwelling and any domestic outbuildings associated with either dwelling.
Dual occupancy means a residential use of premises for 2 households involving:
- two dwellings (attached or detached) on a single lot or two dwellings (attached or detached) on separate lots that share a common property
- any domestic outbuilding associated with the dwellings.
It does not include a residential use of premises that involves a secondary dwelling.
Secondary dwelling means a dwelling on a lot that is used in conjunction with, but subordinate to, another dwelling on the lot, whether or not the dwelling is:
- attached to the other dwelling
- occupied by individuals who are related to, or associated with, the household of the other dwelling.
Dwelling house vs dual occupancy
The above definitions blur the line between what is a ‘dwelling house’, where a secondary dwelling is also included, and what is a ‘dual occupancy’.
If both uses are accepted development in the Planning Scheme, you might not need to distinguish between the two for assessment purposes.
Sometimes, however, you will need to distinguish between the two. For example, in a zone where a dwelling house is accepted development and a dual occupancy is impact assessable.
In this case, refer to the following distinguishing elements.
A dwelling house, including the secondary dwelling, must be occupied by the same household, defined by the Planning Scheme as one or more people who:
- live in a dwelling with the intent of living together on a long-term basis
- make common provision for food and other essentials.
Therefore, a development proposing two dwellings occupied by two households will be considered a dual occupancy.
A secondary dwelling must be used together with the primary dwelling. This means they must be:
- occupied by one household, including multi-generational living arrangements.
- in close proximity to each other.
In an urban environment, any two dwellings on one lot are considered to be within close proximity to one another. Within the Rural Zone, Rural Residential Zone or Emerging Community Zone, the dwellings will typically be within 30 metres apart.
A secondary dwelling must be ‘subordinate’ to the primary dwelling. The distinguishing factor is size. The secondary dwelling should be smaller in gross floor area than the primary dwelling.
Summary
Two dwellings on a lot will be considered a ‘dwelling house’ where all of the following are met:
- typically, both dwellings are occupied by the same household
- a secondary dwelling is being added to a lot already containing a dwelling
- the secondary dwelling has a smaller gross floor area than the primary dwelling
- both dwellings are close to each other.
Generally, two dwellings on a lot will be considered a ‘dual occupancy’ in all other circumstances.
This information is a guide only. Assessment managers use their discretion to evaluate each circumstance on its merits.