Council Approval

Check Local Requirements Before You Buy

Before purchasing a granny flat, tiny home, container home, or transportable dwelling, it is important to speak with your local council about planning rules, permits, and approval requirements. Regulations can vary between councils, states, zoning areas, and property types. The approval pathway may also depend on how the unit will be used, whether it is temporary or permanent, and whether it is placed on wheels, footings, or another type of foundation. We recommend checking the relevant requirements for your property before making a purchase decision.

Understanding Movable Dwellings & Tiny Homes

Tiny homes and transportable units are becoming more popular across Australia as flexible, affordable, and practical living solutions. However, there is no single approval rule that applies to every location. Depending on the design and intended use, a tiny home or modular unit may be treated differently by your local authority.

It may be assessed as a:

Movable dwelling
Caravan or trailer
Park home
Secondary dwelling
Granny flat
Ancillary accommodation
Temporary structure
Transportable building

Because classifications can differ, it is always best to confirm the correct category with your local council.

Tiny Homes on Wheels

Tiny homes on wheels may be considered similar to caravans or trailers in some council areas. This means they may be subject to requirements around:

• Size and dimensions
• Roadworthiness
• Parking location
• Length of stay
• Occupancy
• Utility connections
• Wastewater management
• Setbacks from boundaries or other structures

Rules can vary significantly, so do not assume that a tiny home on wheels can be lived in permanently without approval.

Units on Foundations

If a granny flat, container home, or modular unit is installed on foundations, footings, stumps, or another fixed base, it may be assessed as a more permanent structure. Depending on your property and council area, this could involve requirements for:

• Planning approval
• Building permits
• Engineering certification
• Setbacks
• Bushfire requirements
• Cyclone or wind ratings
• Plumbing approval
• Electrical connection
• Wastewater and septic systems
• Occupancy approval

In many cases, fixed dwellings may be treated as secondary dwellings, ancillary accommodation, or granny flats.

Speak With Your Local Council Early

Before ordering a unit, we suggest contacting your local council or shire and explaining:

• The type of unit you are considering
• The size and layout
• Whether it will be on wheels or fixed in place
• How the unit will be used
• Whether someone will live in it
• Where it will be positioned on the property
• How power, water, and waste will be connected

Some councils may not use the term ‘tiny home,’ so it can help to ask about movable dwellings, caravans, park homes, ancillary dwellings, or transportable buildings.

Innovative Modular Solutions

Our range of transportable units is designed to support modern residential, rural, and business needs. Whether you need extra space, independent accommodation, a backyard office, storage, amenities, or a spa module, we offer practical modular solutions built with durability, comfort, and usability in mind. Our team can provide product information to help you understand the specifications of your preferred unit, which may assist when speaking with your local council or relevant approval authority.

Customer Responsibility & Limitations

Council approvals, permits, planning applications, and final compliance requirements are the responsibility of the customer. We do not apply for council approvals on your behalf unless this is specifically agreed in writing as part of a separate service. We also cannot guarantee that a product will be approved in every council area, as requirements vary depending on location, zoning, property conditions, and intended use. Before purchasing, customers should make their own enquiries with the relevant local government authority, building surveyor, planner, certifier, plumber, electrician, or other qualified professional. You should confirm all requirements that apply to your property before proceeding with purchase, installation, connection, or occupation of any unit.

Need Product Details for Council?

Contact our team for available product specifications, layouts, dimensions, and general information to support your council enquiry.