Tasmania

Backyard homes in Tasmania

Locally referred to as Secondary residence

Tasmania treats a secondary residence as part of a single dwelling use on the same site, subject to the applicable zone, codes and local planning provisions.

Current maximum of 60 m²

The current planning definition limits a secondary residence to 60 square metres.

Same site as the main dwelling

It forms part of the overall single dwelling use and remains subordinate to the principal residence.

Zone requirements still apply

A secondary residence may be available where a single dwelling is allowed, provided all applicable requirements are met.

Shared site and services

The dwellings generally share the lot and relevant infrastructure or services.

Planning status is property-specific

Zone standards, overlays, hazards, wastewater and local provisions can change whether a permit is required.

Building approvals are separate

Planning status does not replace building, plumbing, wastewater or occupancy requirements.

What may affect your property?

State-wide rules are only the starting point. Councils, sites and titles differ, so these are checked for your specific address.

•Local government area
•Land zoning
•Planning overlays
•Lot size and dimensions
•Existing dwelling
•Title restrictions and covenants
•Bushfire, flood and environmental risk
•Setbacks and site coverage
•Utility and wastewater capacity
•Delivery and construction access
•Intended residential or non-residential use

Intended use changes the pathway

A self-contained residence, a guest room, a home office and a non-habitable studio may be treated differently. The proposed facilities and how the building will be occupied can change the applicable planning and building pathway.

See what may suit your Tasmania property

Preliminary property guidance — not an approval, eligibility decision or permit.

Check my backyard

My Backyard Home provides general, preliminary information based on published planning and building material. It does not confirm that a dwelling or structure can be built on your property and is not legal, planning, building, engineering, financial or tax advice. Requirements may vary according to your address, council, title, zoning, overlays, site conditions, intended use and chosen product. Final feasibility, permits, approvals and compliance must be confirmed by the relevant authorities and qualified professionals.

Government sources and review date

Tasmanian Planning Scheme
Responsible authority: Tasmanian Government (State Planning Office)
Source URL not yet verified — refer to the published government material by name.
State Planning Office - Secondary residence amendment material
Responsible authority: Tasmanian Government (State Planning Office)
Source URL not yet verified — refer to the published government material by name.

Last reviewed 27 July 2026