Understanding Council Regulations for Tiny Houses | Sunshine Tiny Houses
Navigating the rules and regulations for placing your mobile tiny home can be a daunting task, especially considering that each local council has its own unique requirements. The tiny house movement is experiencing a surge in popularity, which is causing a shift in regulations across the country. While some councils are enthusiastically embracing the trend and taking steps to support it, others are proceeding with caution. These exciting developments are driving the tiny house community's growth and expansion.
Most councils currently treat tiny homes as caravans, and many have provisions allowing for short-term stays without a permit. Some councils are open to the idea of longer-term tiny home placements, especially if they are used as secondary dwellings. However, permits or the use of caravan parks may be required for extended stays. Fortunately, there have been groundbreaking rulings in favour of tiny homes and their residents, indicating a promising future for the tiny house movement.
Sunshine Tiny Houses has compiled a summary of information from several councils throughout Australia, but if your council is not listed, don't hesitate to contact us for assistance.
Queensland
Sunshine Coast Council
According to the Sunshine Coast Council, tiny houses on wheels are considered part of the local laws category as they are not considered permanent structures. As a general rule, individuals may reside in a tiny house or caravan for up to four weeks per calendar year without needing any permits. However, if the stay exceeds this time frame, a "Healthy Places - temporary accommodation application" will be required.
Click link to view ‘Subordinate Local Law 1’
Refer to Schedule 7
Noosa Shire Council
Tiny houses on wheels fall under the local law's section as they are not fixed structures.
https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/community/local-laws/local-laws-overview
Click link to view ‘Subordinate Local Law 1’
Refer to Schedule 9
Gympie Regional Council
It's usually permissible to reside in a tiny house on wheels or caravan for a maximum of 2 weeks within an 8-week timeframe without obtaining any permits, making it an ideal choice for short-term lodging possibilities.
Click link to view ‘Subordinate Local Law 1’
Refer to Schedule 8
Gold Coast Council
Refer to the section ‘Caravan or tiny house on wheels
Fraser Coast Regional Council
New South Wales
In New South Wales, it is usually permissible for a member of your household to reside in a tiny house on wheels for an extended period of time without the need for planning permits (DA), provided that there is already an authorized primary residence on the property.
Byron Shire Council
Gold Coast Council
Refer to the section ‘Caravan or tiny house on wheels
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Building-Planning/Development/Tiny-Houses
Lake Macquarie City Council
https://www.lakemac.com.au/files/assets/public/development/tiny-house-fact-sheet.pdf
Victoria
Mornington Peninsula Council
Living in a tiny house on your own property with suitable sanitation facilities and no negative impact on neighbouring properties is permissible for a duration of six months out of twelve, without the need for any permits.
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Laws-Regulations/Local-law-detail
Click link to view ‘General Purpose Local Law’
Refer to Section 36.
Surf Coast Shire
It is possible to explore the option of obtaining a planning permit for a tiny house on wheels to enable longer-term living.