Moveable dwellings

The installation of moveable dwellings in places other than caravan parks or campgrounds is governed by NSW State Government legislation. 

A moveable dwelling is any tent, or caravan or other van or portable device (whether on wheels or not), used for human habitation - or a manufactured home.

Do I need approval for a mobile dwelling?

Yes, development consent relates to lawful land use. A development application will be required to permit the land use for residential occupation (temporary or otherwise) of a moveable dwelling.

Exemptions

Some land uses that can demonstrate they meet ‘complying development’ will not require development approval if they meet the requirements.

State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 - NSW Legislation

How to apply

Once you have development consent permitting land use for residential occupation of a moveable dwelling you can apply to install the moveable dwelling (or associated structure).

Complete the application for approval to install a manufactured home, moveable dwelling or associated structure on private land (note, fees apply).

Complete an online application

Tiny homes on private land

A tiny house can be either be a small dwelling house built on the lot; or a small dwelling house built on a trailer (similar to a caravan/trailer). Under NSW planning legislation they are defined as dwellings, regardless of their size.

When a tiny house is built on a trailer it must have the capability of being road registered under the Road Transport Act 2013.

Tiny homes are considered either ‘fixed’ or ‘moveable’.

Fixed tiny homes

Fixed tiny homes can be built in various situations. They may be used as a granny flat (or secondary dwellings) where an existing primary house exists on a site.

Council requires a DA and potentially other related applications (for services connections) to assess and approve any proposal for a permanent, fixed dwelling or manufactured home.

Where a tiny home is proposed on a lot with an existing dwelling house, the proposed development is assessed as a Secondary Dwelling.

Refer to Council’s Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) to determine permissibility of a secondary dwelling in the specific zone to which the proposed development applies.

Moveable tiny homes

Moveable tiny homes are considered moveable dwellings. DAs may not be required in particular circumstances.

Read the Moveable dwellings section above.