Tiny House Regulations in Australia – What You Need to Know

The tiny house movement has gained significant traction in recent years, yet many local councils in Australia have yet to establish clear regulations for living in tiny houses on wheels. This lack of uniformity can leave potential homeowners feeling confused about a straightforward question: can I live in a tiny house on wheels? At PORTABL Tiny Homes, we aim to simplify this complex situation and provide you with actionable steps to consider before making the investment in a tiny home. Please note that while our information serves as a helpful guide, it is essential to consult your local council for legal advice prior to purchasing.

Essentially, tiny houses are compact living spaces, and they primarily fall into two categories: those built on foundations and those on wheels. When constructing a tiny house on a foundation, it is treated similarly to traditional buildings and will require standard council approvals, which can be costly and time-consuming. This is a significant reason why tiny houses on wheels have surged in popularity. By being built on a trailer, these homes can avoid many regulations that apply to fixed dwellings, as they're not classified in the same way.

However, it's crucial to recognize that many councils treat tiny houses on wheels as caravans. This classification brings along its own set of rules and regulations, which can vary from one council to another. Unfortunately, the absence of consistent regulations regarding tiny houses on wheels across Australia can result in confusion about what is permissible.

One consistent factor in Australia-wide tiny house regulations is size. While this primarily involves transport considerations, it is still an important aspect. Tiny homes need to adhere to strict size limits: they must be under 2.5m wide, 4.3m high, and 12.5m long, and must not exceed 4.5 tonnes. Exceeding these limits requires an oversized load permit, which can be both expensive and challenging to obtain, especially in areas requiring pilot vehicles.

At PORTABL Tiny Homes, all our designs comply with these size requirements, eliminating the need for oversized load permits. Our standard models typically max out at 10m in length, striking an ideal balance between spaciousness and maneuverability, as larger homes require heavier trailers and become more challenging to transport.

To ensure regulatory compliance, we pre-register all our trailers with a VIN number from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, making them roadworthy. If you don’t have a suitable vehicle for towing or prefer to leave transportation to professionals, PORTABL Tiny Homes can arrange delivery through a trusted towing company.

State and council tiny house regulations

Similar to national regulations, state-level tiny house regulations can be complicated due to variations among councils. As previously highlighted, tiny houses are commonly categorized as caravans, often exempting them from building permits. However, there are limitations on the duration of stay on private land. In many states, legislation restricts living in a tiny house on private property to a maximum of two consecutive days or 60 days per year. Notably, in Victoria, you can establish residency within a caravan park with consent and may be able to live in a tiny house for an extended period—though the associated fees can be quite high, discouraging this option.

In light of the growing interest in tiny homes, some state and local governments are beginning to develop clearer regulations that address the legalities surrounding these unique living arrangements. At PORTABL Tiny Homes, we stay informed about these changes to help our customers navigate the legal landscape effectively.

**New South Wales**  
In New South Wales, if your tiny home is classified as a caravan, you might be able to live in it as a primary residence under certain conditions. It must be occupied in conjunction with the owner’s dwelling and only by the landowner or family members. Additionally, only one caravan is permitted on the property, and it must be kept in a safe and healthy condition.

**Surf Coast Shire – Victoria**  
Great news for tiny house fans in the Surf Coast Shire! The council has officially rolled out the “Tiny Houses on Wheels Pilot” program, a significant step towards embracing alternative housing solutions. This pilot program is now active, and you can find all the detailed information on the official Surf Coast Shire website [here](https://www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au). Through this innovative initiative, residents can enter a 2-year trial for tiny houses on wheels intended for domestic use. This progressive approach not only aligns with evolving housing preferences but also allows the community to discover the advantages of compact and sustainable living. If you're considering the Surf Coast Shire for your tiny house aspirations, the official website is a fantastic resource, detailing guidelines, application processes, and other essential information. Stay informed and participate in this exciting chapter of the tiny house movement in Victoria.

**Mount Alexander Shire – Victoria**  
In Mount Alexander Shire, situated northwest of Melbourne, permits are no longer necessary for residents wishing to camp or live in a tiny house on wheels or caravan on properties that currently have a dwelling. While there is no specified duration for how long the additional home can remain, it's important to note that it should not become a permanent residence.

**Shire of Esperance – Western Australia**  
On the south coast of WA, Esperance has developed a local planning policy for tiny houses, outlining the conditions, requirements, and standards for individuals interested in residing in tiny homes in the area. This framework streamlines the assessment process, and currently, only planning approval is necessary—removing the need for a building permit—making the process quicker, easier, and more economical than traditional building methods.

**Gold Coast – Queensland**  
On your own property in the Gold Coast, it may be feasible to live permanently in a tiny house on wheels. However, you will need to obtain building approval or a camping area license, alongside plumbing approval. If your tiny home includes facilities like a bathroom, laundry, and kitchen (as most do), it's crucial to verify planning issues with the council, such as secondary dwelling or dual occupancy.

Councils without legislation
While the absence of clear regulations from some councils can be frustrating, numerous other councils acknowledge the benefits of tiny houses and may accept them when directly contacted. If your desired location isn't listed above, reach out to the local council before proceeding with your plans. If they are unfamiliar with the concept of a tiny house, you may want to inquire about caravans instead. 

At PORTABL Tiny Homes, we aim to assist you in navigating these regulations and finding the ideal location for your tiny house journey!