We encourage checking with your local council however you may be able to be exempt from council approval by classifying your portable home as a moveable dwelling or as a caravan using the following state legislation exemptions:

NSW

In light of the pandemic, floods and bushfires, the NSW state government has updated the regulations for manufactured home estates, caravan parks, camping grounds and moveable dwellings. These changes mean portable homes may be set up without approval, by or on behalf of a public authority. These sites need to be safe and have appropriate services. They can run for up to 5 years, but after that they need development consent.  There are also other options for you to consider for rural sites.  Please see the following links for more information:

Councils with Tiny Homes Legislation

Queensland

The Queensland government have made changes legislation around emergency and temporary accommodation, manufactured homes, as well as the rural workers accommodation initiative.  Please use the following links for more information:

Councils with Tiny Homes Legislation

Victoria

Councils have conditions that must be met when applying for a permit to construct a dependent person’s unit. Conditions and rules vary between councils. It’s best to check with your local council about building codes, regulations, planning permits and the application process.  Please use the following links for more information:

Displaced people

People who have been displaced from their homes because of a natural disaster can install a moveable dwelling on their land or on other land with the landowner’s consent. These moveable dwellings can be in place for up to two years without the need for council approval. A moveable dwelling is defined under the Local Government Act and can include a tent, caravan or van used for human habitation. It can also include a manufactured home that is designed to be moved from one position to another. If a person wishes to stay in the moveable dwelling beyond two years, council approval will be required.

Granny flats, demountables and transportables deemed as a movable building installed on the same lot as an existing dwelling.

Councils have conditions that must be met when applying for a permit to construct a dependent person’s unit. Conditions and rules vary between councils. It’s best to check with your local council about building codes, regulations, planning permits and the application process. This information is available on your local council’s website.

You should also visit your local council and talk to a planner – getting advice is free.