Tiny House Regulations in Australia – What You Need to Know

The tiny house movement has been around for some time now, but when it comes to living in a tiny house on wheels, many councils still haven’t introduced any clear tiny house regulations. For this reason, and the fact that the rules can vary between states and local councils, many people become overwhelmed when trying to work out the answer to a simple question: can I live in a tiny house on wheels?

In this blog, we’ll try to simplify the complicated answer as best as possible and give you the steps you’ll need to take before moving into a tiny house. All information is intended to be a guide only and should not be considered legal advice, it’s always best to contact your state and local councils before purchasing a tiny house.

What are tiny houses on wheels?

At their most basic, tiny houses are just very small homes, but there are two main types: those on a foundation and those on wheels. If you build a tiny house on a foundation, it is treated much the same as any other building and requires normal council approval and applications. This can take quite a significant amount of time and money, which is a primary reason why the alternative, tiny houses on wheels, became so popular. By building on a trailer with wheels, it’s possible to overcome the regulatory hurdles of fixed dwellings, as it’s no longer considered a building.

In doing so, however, it’s important to understand that many councils consider tiny houses on wheels to be caravans. These come with their own rules and regulations that tend to differ between councils but are, nonetheless, important to understand.

Australia-wide tiny house regulations – size matters!

As nice as it would be to have consistent regulations for tiny houses on wheels around Australia, it’s not that simple. Legislation hasn’t caught up to their growing popularity, leaving many confused about what’s legal, and what’s not.

When to comes to Australia-wide tiny house regulations, the one thing that stays consistent is that size matters. This has less to do with building regulations and more to do with driving them on the road. Even if you only plan to move them once, tiny houses need to be built to strict size requirements. In Australia, your tiny house must be under 2.5m wide, 4.3m high and 12.5m long. They must also be no more than 4.5 tonnes. Anything more and you’ll need to get an oversized load permit, which can be costly and difficult to obtain, especially if transporting it through an area that requires pilot vehicles.

At Aussie Tiny Houses, all of our designs are within the size requirements and do not need oversized load permits. Our standard models are a maximum of 10m in length as this is most often the best compromise between size and moveability. This is because the bigger you go, the heavier the trailer that’s required and the more difficult it’ll be to manoeuvre your tiny house.

To ensure you’re ready to go when your tiny house is completed, all our trailers get pre-registered with a Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads VIN number so they can be legally driven on the road. If you don’t have a vehicle with the correct towing capacity, or would simply like to leave the transport up to the professionals, we can organise delivery of your tiny house with a reputable towing company.

State and council tiny house regulations

As with Australia-wide tiny house regulations, those at a state level are also complicated because they can differ between councils. As we mentioned earlier, tiny houses are typically considered caravans. This is why they often don’t require building permits, but they do tend to have requirements around how long one can live in them on private land. In most states, legislation limits stays to two consecutive days, and less than 60 days per year. In Victoria, however, you can take up residency in a caravan park and, with written consent and an agreement, may be able to live in a tiny house for much longer. It’s worth noting that the caravan park fees can be quite expensive, and for this reason, many people avoid it.

In response to the growing popularity of tiny houses, though, there are a few state and council governments that have or are developing specific regulations that make the legalities much more clear.

New South Wales

In New South Wales, if your tiny home is considered a caravan, you may be able to live in it as a primary dwelling under the following circumstances. It must be occupied in connection with the owner’s dwelling house and only by the landowner or members of the owner’s family. Additionally, no more than one caravan is allowed on the land, and it must be maintained in a safe and healthy condition.

Surf Coast Shire – Victoria

Exciting news for tiny house enthusiasts in the Surf Coast Shire! The council has officially launched the “Tiny Houses on Wheels Pilot” program, marking a significant step forward in embracing alternative housing solutions. The pilot program is now in effect, and you can find all the detailed information on the official Surf Coast Shire website here.

Under this innovative initiative, residents can participate in a 2-year trial period for tiny houses on wheels designed for domestic use. This forward-thinking approach not only reflects the changing landscape of housing preferences but also provides an opportunity for the community to explore the benefits of compact, sustainable living.

For those considering the Surf Coast Shire as a potential location for their tiny house dreams, the official website serves as a comprehensive resource, outlining the guidelines, application process, and other essential details. Stay informed and be a part of this exciting chapter in the tiny house movement in Victoria.

Mount Alexander Shire – Victoria 

This shire, located north-west of Melbourne, no longer requires permits for residents to camp or live in a tiny house on wheels or caravan on properties that already have an existing dwelling. While there is no time limit on how long the extra home can be there, they do indicate it mustn’t become a permanent dwelling. 

Shire of Esperance – Western Australia

On the south coast of WA, Esperance has developed a local planning policy for tiny houses which identifies the circumstances, requirements and standards for those who wish to live in tiny houses in the area, and provides a framework for assessment. There’s still no need for a building permit with only planning approval required, so it’s still quicker, easier and cheaper than a traditional build.

Gold Coast – Queensland

On your own property, it may be possible to permanently live in a tiny house on wheels in the Gold Coast. You will require building approval or a camping area licence along with plumbing approval and, if they have their own bathroom, laundry and kitchen (as most do), it’s important to check with the council for planning issues like secondary dwelling or dual occupancy use.

Councils without legislation

The lacking number of councils with clear regulations can be disheartening, but there are many other councils that recognise the benefits of tiny houses and, when contacted, are accepting of tiny houses. So, if your desired location isn’t above, be sure to contact the council directly before moving on. If they don’t know what a tiny house is, be sure to ask them about caravans.  

Steps to take before moving into a tiny house on wheels

If you’ve decided that tiny house living sounds like the right decision for you, it’s time to start thinking about how to make it happen! There’s a lot to consider, so here are some of the most important steps you should take in your tiny living journey.

1. Foundation or wheels – Your decision to build your tiny house on a foundation or on a trailer will significantly impact your options going forward. If you choose to build a fixed dwelling on a foundation, there’ll be little that differs from building a normal home or granny flat. A trailer, on the other hand, will offer moveability but the following steps should be considered.
2. Location – As we hope we’ve made clear in this blog, whether you’re allowed to live in a tiny house on wheels is very dependent on the location you plan to park it. When you know what area you’d like to park in, be sure to research their regulations and contact the local council directly.
3. DIY or professional – Your decision on whether to build your tiny house yourself or hire a professional will likely depend on your circumstances and building experience. Check out this blog for the pros and cons of each option.
4. Find a reputable builder – As tiny houses on wheels don’t usually require building permits or council approvals, it’s all the more important to find a reputable builder that will give you a safe, well-designed home.
5. Get your finances sorted and get building – Once you’ve saved up and/or gotten financing, you can finally start building your tiny home! To learn about what it’s like to buy a tiny house from Aussie Tiny Houses, check out this blog.
6. Find land and get it prepared for your tiny house – Some people choose to find land earlier in the process, but at the latest, it’s now time to start looking for the land you’ll park your tiny house. Check out these guides on how to find land and what to look for. Once you’ve found it, make sure to get it ready for delivery of your tiny home.
7. Insurance – While insurance isn’t always required for tiny houses, it’s always a good idea to ensure your home is protected against a range of possible events. We can connect you with an insurance broker, but for more information, read our blog on tiny house insurance.
8. Get your tiny home delivered and move in – Whether you tow your tiny home yourself, or use a towing company, it

FAQs about tiny house regulations in Australia

We’ve just shared a lot of complicated information, so if you’re just looking for a quick answer to some of our most frequently asked questions, see below:

Do I need council approval for my Tiny House? 

If your tiny house is on wheels, you don’t yet require council approval as they’re considered caravans. You will need a VIN number (which we can do for you), and there are often limits on how long you’re allowed to permanently live in one. For more accurate, specific information to your location, contact the council in the area you hope to park.

The tiny houses on wheels are classified as caravans. So you don’t need any special permits to drive or move it on the road. You will only need to have the proper vehicle that is capable of towing the specific tiny house model with the correct towing attachments and safety requirements.

Do I need any special permits to drive it on the road?

As long as your tiny house on wheels is built within the maximum size requirements (2.5m wide, 4.3m high, 12.5m long and 4.5 tonnes in weight), you won’t need any special permits to drive it on the road. You will, however, need a vehicle with the right towing capacity for the size of your tiny house along with the correct towing attachments and safety requirements. If this is a concern, there are professional towing companies who can do it for you.

Do councils approve of tiny houses on wheels on private properties? 

At Aussie Tiny Houses, we build all our tiny homes to meet the regulations that apply to caravans. As councils differ in their laws around caravans, it’s not possible to make a broad statement about what will be approved or not. Contact your local council directly for the most accurate information. If they’re not aware of the term ‘tiny house’, ask them about caravan laws as they are generally interchangeable.

Where can I park my tiny house? 

The easiest solution for parking your tiny house is to have your own property. However, it’s often much more economical to park it on someone else’s property. This may be a family member, friend, or someone else who’s interested in renting out part of their land. Most caravan parks are also an option, and there are even tiny house communities popping up around the country. What’s officially allowed differs between councils, so be sure to contact them before moving into your tiny house.

What are the maximum dimensions I can have? 

To be legally driven on the road, tiny houses have a maximum size of 4.3m high, 2.5m wide, 12.5m long and 4.5 tonnes. Exceeding these dimensions would require a special permit for transportation on Australian roads.

Where to find more information about tiny house regulations?

Aussie Tiny Houses is a member of the Australian Tiny House Association, who have a wide range of guidelines for living tiny in different states and territories.  

In conclusion, navigating the world of tiny house regulations in Australia can be a complex and overwhelming task. The lack of consistent nationwide regulations and the variations between states and local councils make it challenging to determine what is permissible. However, it’s crucial to understand the specific requirements before considering living in a tiny house on wheels.

Size regulations remain a constant factor across Australia, primarily focused on road transport. Tiny houses must adhere to maximum dimensions of 2.5m wide, 4.3m high, 12.5m long, and 4.5 tonnes in weight to be legally towed on the road. Aussie Tiny Houses ensures that all our standard designs fall within these limits, eliminating the need for oversized load permits, and striking a balance between size and maneuverability.

Ultimately, while the tiny house movement continues to evolve, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest regulations and developments. As a member of the Australian Tiny House Association, Aussie Tiny Houses remains committed to providing guidance and support as you navigate the intricacies of tiny house living. For more comprehensive information on tiny house regulations, the Australian Tiny House Association offers valuable resources for different states and territories.