Establishment or occupation of a temporary home

Subordinate Local Law No. 1 (Administration 2011) Schedule 8 provides the opportunity for land owners/residential caretakers to reside on their property under an establishment or occupation of a temporary home approval(PDF, 273KB) while their permanent dwelling is being built or to accommodate family or friends in a caravan(PDF, 471KB) on the dwelling allotment for up to 6 months in a 12 month period.

House in sunlight

Land owners applying to reside in a temporary home on their property whilst building a permanent dwelling

Approval may be granted for landowners to reside in a temporary home on their property for the following:

  • shed or class 10a building (prior building approval required);
  • caravan or mobile home;
  • bus;
  • car, van, or other vehicle for up to six months; or
  • tent for up to three months.

The circumstances for which approval may be granted are:

  • building and plumbing approvals have been obtained for a permanent dwelling on the property;
  • the applicant can demonstrate financial capacity and ability to construct the permanent dwelling;
  • an adequate source of potable water is available;
  • there is adequate means of waste disposal and sanitation available;
  • the temporary home is suitably screened from the street so as not to adversely affect the amenity of the area.

Conditions will be imposed on approval and may include:

  • construction of the permanent residence is not to cease for more than three calendar months;
  • all necessary amenities are provided to the temporary homes;
  • only the owners of the property and their immediate family, including a maximum of two adults, reside in the temporary home;
  • construction of the permanent dwelling must be completed within a specified timeframe; and
  • upon completion and occupation of the permanent dwelling, the temporary home is to be de-commissioned, and in the case of a shed, the removal of all habitable rooms including the kitchen, bedroom, and living rooms.

Complete the application form.(PDF, 273KB)

Caravan

Temporary caravan accommodation on your property

I already have a permanent residence – what about allowing my family or friends to stay in a caravan on my property?

Council has recently amended laws on temporary homes so that owners or occupiers of an existing dwelling can allow family or friends to occupy a caravan on the dwelling allotment for up to 6 months in a 12-month period, under certain conditions.

Conditions
  • No approval is required to undertake this activity, however the owner or occupier must notify council within 7 days of the commencement of the activity.
  • There must be a permanent residence on the property which has adequate means of waste disposal.
  • The caravan must be situated no less than 6 metres from the front boundary, and 3 metres from any boundary fence.
  • Occupants must have access to sanitary and laundry facilities.
  • Waste material is to be disposed of properly.

Fact sheet and notification form(PDF, 471KB)

Contact us

For assistance please call our Customer Service Team on 1300 79 49 29.

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