What is this about?
This draft State Planning Provisions (SPPs) amendment proposes to increase the allowable gross floor area for a secondary residence from 60m2 to 90m2, and further clarify the requirements for secondary residences (ancillary dwellings or granny flats).
The Minister has issued Terms of Reference for the draft amendment 01/2026 as part of the process for an amendment of the SPPs under the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 (the Act).
This draft amendment will apply in council areas where the Tasmanian Planning Scheme is in effect.
The stages of the amendment process are explained in more detail within the Lifecycle section below.
Who is involved?
The State Planning Office prepares the amendment for the Minister. Local councils and relevant State agencies and authorities, and the Tasmanian Planning Commission are consulted during preparation of the draft amendment. The Tasmanian Planning Commission conducts a formal review process with public consultation, then advises the Minister whether the amendment criteria are met. After considering the advice, the Minister makes the final decision.
Timeframe
The project commenced in February 2026 and is expected to complete in the second half of 2026.
More information on the process for preparation and assessment of draft SPPs amendments under the Act is available in the State Planning Office's simplified flow chart, or the Tasmanian Planning Commission provides a more detailed flowchart on their website.
Background
The SPPs are the statewide set of consistent planning rules in the Tasmanian Planning Scheme (TPS). The SPPs came into effect on 2 March 2017.
A comprehensive review of the SPPs was completed in 2023 as part of the 5-yearly statutory review required under the Act. The review identified a variety of potential amendments to the SPPs and more detailed reviews.
The Government’s proposed amendment to the SPPs to increase the gross floor area for secondary residences forms part of the Government’s commitment to provide more housing options for Tasmanians.
Increasing the maximum floor area from 60m2 to 90m2 will enable more liveable, adaptable small homes consistent with other jurisdictions. It will provide more flexible design options for adding an extra home on land already used for a single dwelling, providing options for ageing in place, multi-generational living and smaller household rentals.
More information about the steps involved are in the drop-down boxes below.
Minister issues Terms of Reference, Status: Complete
The Minister for Planning has issued terms of reference for amendment 01/2026 of the State Planning Provisions (SPPs).
Draft amendment prepared, Status: Current
Draft amendment 01/2026 sets out any necessary amendments of the SPPs to match the terms of reference.
A draft was prepared for consultation under Section 30D of the LUPAA.
The Minister will consider advice from local councils, State agencies or authorities and the Tasmanian Planning Commission before deciding the draft amendment is ready to start the assessment process done by the Commission.
Consultation by Tasmanian Planning Commission, Status: Not started
A public consultation will be run by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
More details on the Commission’s assessment process are available on the Commission’s website. See the Commission’s assessments page for consultation documents, hearing information, and all submissions made about this amendment.
Decision, Status: Not started
The Tasmanian Planning Commission assesses the amendment and provides a report to the Minister.
The Minister considers the Commission’s report and makes a decision to approve the amendment or not.
