Tiny Houses

Tiny Home on Wheels

Tiny houses have become more popular in recent years because they’re affordable, customisable, and eco-friendly. They also allow for downsizing, decluttering, and a smaller carbon footprint. Some see tiny houses as a way to live more simply and challenge the high costs of traditional housing, with the freedom to move around.

Their size and portability make them ideal for temporary housing, such as after a natural disaster, or as a sustainable solution for increasing housing density without impacting the environment.

Ballina Shire Council’s Housing Strategy(PDF, 15MB), adopted in 2024, supports tiny homes as a viable, sustainable housing option to be placed in suitable areas. Here is a quick overview of the key steps to get started with a tiny house.

What is a tiny house?

A tiny house typically refers to a small, self-contained dwelling of 50m2 or less, with three main types:

  1. Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOWs) are mobile homes built on trailers with wheels, making them easy to move. They are registered as caravans or campervans under the Road Transport Act 2013 and must be parked lawfully.

  2. Fixed, relocatable structures often placed on pallets, also known as ‘skids’.

  3. Other small, permanent, habitable structures include any small, permanent dwelling that is designed for living.

Do I need Council approval?

In certain cases, you don't need approval to place a THOW on your property. These exceptions are outlined in Clause 77 of the Local Government Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds, and Moveable Dwellings Regulation 2021.

You don't need Council approval for:

  • Short-term stays. No more than two days in a row (48 hours), and no more than 60 days in a year.
  • Household members long-term occupancy when the THOW is connected to the main residence.
  • Seasonal use for workers involved in agricultural work on the land.
  • Natural disaster displacement. Approval isn’t needed for up to two years provided definitions are met.

In all other situations, you will need some form of approval, usually from Council. Depending on your situation, this may include:

Water and Sewer approvals

If your tiny house needs to be connected to water or sewer systems, even if it’s an exempt THOW, you will need approval for plumbing work. This approval falls under Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993, covering water supply and wastewater disposal. If you're connecting to an existing septic system, it may need to be upgraded.

For more information, contact Council’s Duty Planner, ph 1300 864 444.

 

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