Discover Your Dream Tiny Home with Confidence!

While tiny homes are becoming more mainstream across Australia, there are no uniform regulations nationwide, and rules for living in caravans vary by local councils and states. Our homes are considered manufactured homes and are considered under moveable dwelling legislation, and as such generally no DA Approval is required as these are not Class 1a traditional builder built homes. .

If you are considering purchasing one of our caravans, we recommend discussing your plans with us and consulting your local council. And remember, if your local council isn’t familiar with the tiny house term, use caravan instead.

At Cottage Cabins, your safety and compliance with local regulations are our foremost priorities. We've gone the extra mile to ensure that our Cottages meet the rigorous standards of Australian Design Rules. This certification allows for easy relocation as Road Registerable Caravans.

If you are placing your cottage on a trailer and not stumps, we design and manufacture our own trailers specifically tailored for our range of tiny homes, reclassifying them as caravans instead of dwellings. These trailers are 100% Australian-made, comply with Australian Design Rules, and meet VSB1 standards.

In Queensland, several councils allow the construction of a granny flat (secondary dwelling) up to 80 square meters without requiring planning approval, provided certain conditions are met:

1. Brisbane City Council: Under the Brisbane City Plan 2014, granny flats are permitted as secondary dwellings up to 80 square meters without needing planning approval, as long as they are located within 20 meters of the primary dwelling and meet specific development criteria. This exemption applies if the property is on a standard lot (450 square meters or more) or a rear lot (600 square meters or more)​ (DIY Granny Flat)​​ (Brisbane City Council)​.

2. Gold Coast City Council: The Gold Coast allows granny flats up to 80 square meters as a secondary dwelling, provided they are within 10 meters of the primary dwelling. These dwellings can be rented out to anyone, and building approval is typically sufficient if all other requirements are met, such as zoning and setback regulations​ (Compact Homes)​​ (TSC Group)​.

3. Ipswich City Council: Ipswich has stricter regulations, where granny flats (referred to as auxiliary units) are limited to 50 square meters without needing full development approval. If the dwelling exceeds this size or has more than one bedroom, it is classified as a dual occupancy and requires additional permissions​ (Compact Homes)​.

These councils generally do not require planning approval for granny flats under 80 square meters, but local conditions such as zoning, overlays, and setbacks still apply. It's advisable to consult with local council planning departments or a town planner to ensure compliance with all regulations.

In Brisbane you also could place one of our Cottages on your property without needing local council approval through the accommodation of family or friends in a caravan, on the Fraser Coast new rules are now coming into effect that will allow property owners or occupiers to let family or friends live in a caravan in their backyard also, and on the Gold Coast a yearly camping permit should be sufficient. However legislation is rapidly changing to address alternative dwellings from the traditional builder home, so we recommend calling your council prior to purchase and confirming the above.

In NSW, you might be able to place one of our Cottages on your property without needing local council approval, thanks to NSW State Legislation (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camp Grounds and Moveable Dwellings Regulation 2021, particularly subdivision 3, section 77). However, some councils may require an application or approval to connect to sewer mains or a septic system.
You can view the legislation here.

Beyond NSW, council approval is generally not required to park a caravan on your property, although there may be restrictions on the duration of occupancy, which can differ between councils.

In Victoria, a new policy called the Dependent Person’s Unit has been introduced. More information can be found here.

In Western Australia, The Shire of Esperance has recognized the potential of tiny homes as an affordable and sustainable living option. In response, they have developed a Local Planning Policy specifically for tiny houses, marking a significant step forward in housing innovation. This policy, crafted with input from the Australian Tiny House Association, sets out the conditions under which tiny houses and tiny house communities can be established. It provides a clear framework for assessment and outlines compliance requirements, making it easier for residents to understand and meet regulations. The policy applies to both town and rural zones under the Local Planning Scheme No. 24. For more detailed information, you can visit the Shire of Esperance's official website here

But before you embark on your Tiny Home adventure, remember this crucial step:

Consult Your Local Council for Peace of Mind

Before purchasing your dream Cottage, we strongly urge you to consult your local council. Understanding the necessary approvals and regulations in your area is key to a smooth Tiny Home experience.
Our Cottages, while versatile, aren't classified as Class 1 A Buildings and might not adhere to all permanent dwelling standards. It's crucial to consult your local council to understand the specific regulations relevant to your circumstances.

Before repurposing a portable tiny home for anything beyond temporary or caravan use, it's essential to engage with local authorities to ensure compliance with all applicable building standards and regulations.

Beware of Imitations

Exercise caution when dealing with resellers who claim to offer ARD-compliant cabins but may incorrectly label the living space or body as a Caravan, or provide you with a cabin that doesn't meet the National Construction Code (NCC) requirements.

Navigating Regulations with Ease

It's important to note that the use of caravans is subject to varying regulations across different councils. Some councils permit short-term usage, while others see them as a viable long-term housing solution with specific local restrictions. This is especially pertinent given the ongoing Housing crisis.

Let Us Help You Find Your Perfect Retreat

For more information about our exquisite range of relocatable cottages, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at 0412 680 366 or email us at admin@cottagecabins.com. We're here to answer your questions and guide you towards the ideal Tiny Home for your needs.

Stay Informed, Stay Compliant

Please keep in mind that legislation and approval processes can vary significantly from state to state and council to council, leading to inconsistencies. Cottage Cabins cannot directly facilitate permits or approvals and cannot guarantee compliance with all local council regulations. The responsibility to verify and confirm the final use of our products lies with our valued customers. While we're dedicated to providing our best assistance, we recommend cross-verifying any advice with your local council to ensure full compliance with all relevant local regulations before making a purchase.

Discover the joy of Tiny Home living with Cottage Cabins - your trusted partner on this exciting journey!

STATE LEGISLATION SUMMARY

The status of Tiny Homes and caravans in Australia varies by region, making it essential to understand the regulations in your specific area. Cottage Cabins offers a unique advantage in this regard:

• Regulations Across Australia: While Tiny Home living is gaining popularity across Australia, there is no uniform national regulation. Rules for living in caravans vary from one local council and state to another. To navigate these complexities, we recommend consulting both us and your local council before purchasing one of our caravans.

• Cottage Cabins' Distinctive Approach: What sets Cottage Cabins apart is that we manufacture our own trailers, tailored to our Tiny Home range. This classification means our Tiny Homes are legally considered caravans. Our trailers are proudly Australian-made, adhere to the Australian Design Rules, and comply with VSB1 standards.

• Simplified Approval Process: Owning a Cottage Cabin paired with one of our trailers can simplify the typically challenging council approval process. However, please note that Cottage Cabins does not provide permits or apply for council approvals on your behalf. You must familiarize yourself with your Local Area Government (LAG) planning scheme and any relevant regulations.

• Specific State Regulations:

  • New South Wales (NSW): In NSW, you may be able to install a Cottage Cabins caravan on your property without local council approval, thanks to State Legislation. However, some councils may require approval for sewer mains or septic connections.

  • Outside of NSW: In other states, you generally do not require council approval to park a caravan on your property. However, councils may impose varying time limits for occupancy.

  • Victoria: Victoria has introduced the Dependent Person's Unit policy; additional details can be found on their website.

  • Western Australia (WA): The shire of Esperance in WA actively supports Tiny Homes as an affordable and sustainable living option, as detailed in their Local Planning Policy.

• Use "Caravan" When Necessary: If your local council is unfamiliar with the term "tiny house," consider using the term "caravan" to describe your Cottage Cabin for clarity.

  Understanding the specific regulations in your area is crucial before embarking on your Tiny Home journey. We recommend thorough research and consultation with both Cottage Cabins and your local authorities to ensure a smooth experience.