TAS planning resource · $39 planning report

Can I build two dwellings on one block in Tasmania?

Two or more dwellings on one lot is 'multiple dwellings' under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme — it needs a permit, assessed against the minimum site area per dwelling and the zone's Acceptable Solutions. Here's what's required, and a fast way to check your block.

Tasmanian homeowners and small developers assessing whether their block can take a second dwelling or a pair of homes — before committing to a designer.

Check your multi-dwelling potential — $39

'Multiple dwellings' under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme

Two or more dwellings on a single lot is 'multiple dwellings' in the Tasmanian Planning Scheme — distinct from a secondary residence, which the State Planning Provisions define as "an additional residence which is self-contained and: (a) has a gross floor area not more than 60m²; (b) is appurtenant to a single dwelling; (c) shares with the single dwelling access and parking, and water, sewerage, gas, electricity and telecommunications connections and meters; and (d) may include laundry facilities". Multiple dwellings need a permit, assessed against the zone's standards: density, setbacks, building height, site coverage, private open space and car parking.

The make-or-break figure is usually the minimum site area per dwelling set by your zone's Acceptable Solution — 325 m² per dwelling in the General Residential Zone. The lot has to be large enough to support each dwelling at that density while meeting the siting standards. Meet every Acceptable Solution and the development is Permitted; miss one and it's Discretionary, assessed against the Performance Criteria with public notification.

Two or more dwellings on a lot = 'multiple dwellings' (needs a permit)
Minimum site area per dwelling — 325 m² in the General Residential Zone (Acceptable Solution)
Each dwelling needs private open space, parking and compliant setbacks
Meeting the Acceptable Solutions = Permitted; missing one = Discretionary
Often paired with a subdivision so each dwelling gets its own title
Codes (bushfire, heritage, landslip, waterway) can change the category

Build two, then subdivide

Most Tasmanian multi-dwelling projects are planned alongside a subdivision: get a permit for the dwellings and subdivide so each sits on its own title. The dwelling permit and the subdivision permit are distinct consents but are usually assessed together — so the lot has to clear both the per-dwelling density and the subdivision minimum lot size.

Where the lot isn't large enough to subdivide, two dwellings can sometimes still be approved on a single title, depending on the zone — but that's a different outcome to a subdivided pair of homes.

Check your block before you design

Whether two dwellings fit — and whether you can subdivide — depends on your zone, the minimum site area per dwelling and any codes. Our $39 Tasmanian planning report identifies your zone, the relevant standards and overlays, with a plain-English read on multi-dwelling and subdivision potential.

Real example

Worked example

A 700 m² General Residential Zone block that meets the minimum site area per dwelling for two homes and the subdivision minimum can take a Permitted pair of dwellings and a 1-into-2 subdivision. Add a bushfire-prone area code or a heritage listing and the same scheme becomes a Discretionary application.

The statutory basis

Multiple dwellings in Tasmania are assessed under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 and the Tasmanian Planning Scheme. The minimum site area per dwelling, setbacks and open-space standards sit in the zone's Acceptable Solutions, with Performance Criteria for Discretionary applications; where the lot is to be split, the subdivision minimum lot size also applies. Codes (bushfire, heritage, landslip, waterway) can add controls. Always confirm the standards and codes for your lot.

Tasmanian Planning Scheme

Multiple dwellings — density & Acceptable Solutions

Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993

Permit categories & assessment

Local Provisions Schedule (your council)

Local refinements to the standards

Frequently asked questions

Can I build two houses on one block in Tasmania?

Often yes, with a permit — if the lot meets the minimum site area per dwelling for your zone and each dwelling can satisfy the setback, open-space and parking Acceptable Solutions. Most owners pair it with a subdivision so each home gets its own title.

What's the difference between a granny flat and multiple dwellings?

Under the State Planning Provisions a secondary residence must be self-contained, have "a gross floor area not more than 60m²", be "appurtenant to a single dwelling" and share with it "access and parking, and water, sewerage, gas, electricity and telecommunications connections and meters"; a 'single dwelling' is "a dwelling on a lot on which no other dwelling, other than a secondary residence, is situated". 'Multiple dwellings' means "2 or more dwellings on a site", assessed against the zone's density and residential standards.

How big does my block need to be for two dwellings?

It depends on the minimum site area per dwelling for your zone (and the subdivision minimum if you want to split). In the General Residential Zone it's 325 m² per dwelling — so a pair of dwellings generally needs about 650 m² plus room for access and open space. The Tasmanian Planning Scheme sets it by zone, so check yours.

Do I need a permit for multiple dwellings in Tasmania?

Yes. Multiple dwellings need a permit. If the proposal meets every Acceptable Solution it's Permitted (council must grant it); otherwise it's Discretionary, assessed on its merits with public notification.

Can I subdivide after building two dwellings?

Yes, if the lot meets the subdivision minimum lot size for your zone. The dwelling permit and subdivision permit are separate consents, usually assessed together so each dwelling can end up on its own title.

$39 planning report — ready when you are

A plain-English read on exactly what your property allows — zone, overlays and the rules that decide your project.