What is considered a Caravan?
For the purposes of the Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2021, a moveable dwelling will be considered a caravan where it retains its essential characteristics as a trailer and remains capable of being moved at all times.
To qualify as a caravan, the item must be kept in a condition that allows it to be registered as a trailer in NSW at all times. This includes retaining all necessary trailer components, including:
- A structurally sound chassis or frame
- A connected drawbar and coupling (tow hitch), including safety chains
- Connected suspension, axle, wheels and tyres
- Lighting and electrical systems (including tail lights, indicators and number plate light)
- A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and compliance plate (if previously or currently registered)
The item must also remain genuinely moveable. To be considered moveable it must meet the requirements below.
- It must not be fixed to the ground, footings, or a slab. Components may rest on the ground or on another solid surface, provided they are not fixed.
- Direct connection to the reticulated stormwater system is not permitted. All stormwater must be managed on‑site so that it does not impact neighbouring properties.
- It must have been transported to the site as a trailer.
- If it includes expandable or fold‑out sections, all sections must remain capable of being fully retracted to the original travelling state.
- With the exception of a temporary stair or ramp for access, any structures or attachments associated with the caravan must not impede its ability to be readily moved off-site. This does not preclude development that is otherwise lawful (e.g. exempt or approved structures such as decks or pergolas), provided such development is not fixed to the caravan.
Do I need approval from Council if my moveable dwelling is a caravan?
If the moveable dwelling meets the definition of a caravan, Council approval is not required for the installation of the caravan, provided it complies with Clause 77 of the Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2021.
Clause 77 provides an exemption from approval for the installation of a caravan only. It does not remove the need to comply with planning controls relating to the use of the land, where applicable.
The following installation exemptions apply under Clause 77 of the Regulation:
Caravans associated with a dwelling house
- One caravan may be installed on land occupied by the owner of a dwelling house
- The caravan may only be occupied by the owner or members of the owner’s household
- The caravan must be maintained in a safe and healthy condition
Otherwise, a maximum of two caravans may be installed, provided they are not occupied for:
- more than 2 consecutive days; and
- more than 60 days in any 12‑month period
Pastoral or agricultural land
On pastoral or agricultural land, one caravan may be installed and occupied seasonally by persons employed in pastoral or agricultural operations on the land
Note 1 - The provisions of Clause 77 or the Regulation also apply to the use of campervans and camper trailers.
Note 2 - The use of land for residential purposes is regulated under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. In some circumstances, development consent may still be required for the use of a caravan, even where its installation is exempt under Clause 77.
Utility Connection Approvals
Any connection of a caravan to a sewer system will require approval from Council under Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993. Connection to reticulated water may require approval from Riverina Water.
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