What is a relocatable home?
Relocatable homes are constructed off-site (in a factory or a construction yard) and comprise 1 or more major sections. They are designed to be transported to a site for installation and use.
Relocatable Homes are either:
- Manufactured Homes - These are self-contained relocatable homes (to be self-contained, the home must include at least one kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living area and that also includes toilet and laundry facilities). Or;
- Other relocatable homes that are not self-contained, for example, an addition to an existing dwelling – such as an additional bedroom or similar (but not a fully self contained dwelling).
Relocatable homes may include products described as tiny homes or container homes, etc.
Do I need approval from Council if my moveable dwelling is a relocatable home?
Yes, you will need to apply for a development application from Council.
You will also require Section 68 approval from Council for:
- The installation of the relocatable home, prior to the relocatable home being moved to the site
- Sewer and stormwater connections and works in serviced areas
- Onsite sewage management system and associated sewer works in un-serviced areas
What else should I be aware of?
Before purchasing or installing a relocatable home, it's strongly recommended that you seek planning advice - especially if your property is vacant land (i.e. it doesn't already contain an existing dwelling). Council’s Duty Town Planner is available to provide preliminary advice on whether your proposed dwelling is permitted on your land.
If you're purchasing a pre-built dwelling, it's important to ensure that it complies with the requirements for a relocatable home under the Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2021. This is particularly important if the home is being supplied by a company based interstate or overseas.
Minimum Floor Area Requirement - To comply with the Regulation, a relocatable home must have a minimum floor area of 15 square metres. Some tiny homes may not meet this requirement, so it's important to check this detail before proceeding.
If a manufacturer claims that no approvals are required to install or use the relocatable home, or that the Regulation does not apply, it's strongly advised that you contact Council directly for clarification before committing to a purchase.
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