Tiny Houses on Wheels are considered as Caravans by local governments due to their mobile nature and are commonly faced with local law restrictions on the period of time a person can ‘live’ in a caravan. The development of local laws governing ‘camping’ or living in a ‘caravan’ is different. As examples local laws may: stipulate the requirement to obtain a permit for occupation for a limited period, where the applicant may be able to apply for an extension; allow living in a caravan where there is no commercial or financial interest; restrict occupation to only 30 or 60 days.
In addition, if there is a neighbour ‘complaint’ the occupant of the tiny house may be asked to either remedy the situation or remove the tiny house within a short timeframe. This lack of security for permanent dwelling is proving a significant barrier to the uptake of the tiny house living.
Local councils with tiny house policies and regulations
Shire of Esperance, WA
The Shire of Esperance is a trail blazer, developing the first local planning policy specifically for tiny houses in Australia in 2022.
Surf Coast Shire Council, VIC
Meanwhile in Victoria, the Surf Coast Shire Council has approved a 2 year trial of tiny houses on wheels occupation.