Tiny Homes, Caravans and Short-term Accommodation » Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes

TINY HOMES, CARAVANS AND SHORT-TERM ACCOMMODATION – what you need to know

Interest in tiny homes and short-term accommodation is increasing as people seek more flexible and potentially lower-cost options for accommodation.

This page explains when approvals may be required for tiny homes, caravans and short-term accommodation options within the Shire of Bridgetown - Greenbushes.

While recent changes have made some forms of housing easier to establish, existing planning, building and public health laws still apply. The approval pathway will depend on:

Whether the structure is a vehicle or a building
How it will be used
Where it is located

Quick Guide

If your structure is…	It is generally classified as…	Approvals required…
Structure on wheels and can be transported or towed	Caravan	Public health
Fixed and permanent	Building	Planning Building Public health
Modified (e.g. wheels removed)	Building	Planning Building Public health

Guidelines

Is it a caravan or a building?

A tiny home is not a separate planning category. It must be classified as either:

Caravan (vehicle) – capable of being transported/towed and used as a vehicle
Building (dwelling or other use) – fixed or not genuinely used for transport

A structure cannot be both a caravan and a building.

Tiny homes that are fixed (no wheels) or intended for long-term use
Chalets, cabins or tourist accommodation buildings
Ancillary dwellings (ie granny flats, guesthouse)
Structures that are installed, assembled or placed on land
Must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC)
May require development approval

When do you need Development Approval?

Development approval is required unless:

The works are exempt, and
The land use is in accordance with Council Policy or exempt

When do you need Public Health Approval?

Public health approval helps ensure accommodation meets appropriate health and safety requirements including;

Wastewater (effluent disposal)
Water supply
General health and amenity issues
Caravan accommodation approval (maximum 24 months)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "tiny home"?

A “tiny home” is not a legal category. It is a general term used to describe small habitable structures. For approval purposes, a tiny home must be classified as either a caravan (vehicle), or a building (dwelling or other use) it cannot be both.

How do I know if my tiny home is a caravan or a building?

If it is a vehicle designed and used for transport, it is a caravan. If it is not a vehicle, it is a building. Being on wheels alone does not automatically make it a caravan.

Note – Tents or similar camping arrangements will not be supported for any form of accommodation.

Do tiny homes avoid approvals because they are small?

No. Approval requirements are based on: use (how it is occupied) and classification (caravan or building), not size.

Can I live permanently in a caravan on my property?

No. Caravans cannot be used for permanent living outside a licensed caravan park.

Can I stay in a caravan temporarily?

Yes, temporary occupation may be approved:

up to 5 nights with consent of the owner of the property; or
up to 24 months with Shire approval. Conditions may apply.

How many caravans can there be on one lot?

The Shire will not approve more than one caravan for accommodation on a single lot.

Can I live in a caravan while building a house?

Yes. This may be permitted temporarily, subject to public health approval (suitable water, wastewater, power servicing)

Do caravans need a building permit?

No, if they remain a vehicle however, associated structures (e.g. patios) may require approval. Health requirements still apply.

Do tiny homes need a building permit?

Yes, if they are classified as a building. They must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) and be approved through a Building Approval.

Can I remove the wheels and avoid caravan rules?

If the wheels are removed and it is no longer a vehicle, it becomes a building and must meet building and planning requirements.

Is there a minimum size for a dwelling?

There is no minimum size, but the structure must comply with building standards and be suitable for habitation.

Can I buy a prefabricated tiny home and install it?

Yes, but you must ensure it complies with National Construction Code (NCC) and it is approved before installation.

Do I need Development approval for a tiny home?

Sometimes. Approval depends on the use (dwelling, tourism, ancillary) and the zoning of the land.

What uses can a tiny home be approved for?

Depending on the site, it may be assessed as a dwelling, ancillary accommodation (granny flat), Short-Term Rental Accommodation or other land uses under the planning scheme.

Can I use a tiny home for short-term rental accommodation?

Yes, but it is considered a land use, development approval is required and other approvals (Building, Public health) also apply.

Can I put a tiny home on rural land?

Yes, but it depends on zoning, land use permissions and servicing (water, wastewater).

Can I put a tiny home on my property for a family member?

Possibly, as ancillary accommodation, if there is an existing approved dwelling on the lot and it meets size and planning requirements.

Can I have more than one dwelling on my property?

This depends on zoning and local planning scheme provisions. Additional dwellings are not automatically permitted.

Do I need approval for wastewater and water?

Yes. All habitable structures must have approved wastewater disposal and a safe water supply.

Do I need power?

A safe and compliant power supply will generally be required.

Do public health requirements apply to caravans?

Yes. Even if a caravan does not require building approval, it must still meet public health and servicing requirements.

How to apply

Further Information

For further information, please refer to the following resources:

Tiny House Fact Sheet

Temporary accommodation and camping outside of caravan parks

Documents in Policy Manual - Land Use and Planning » Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes

For specific enquires, contact the Shire with the following information;

Whether the structure has wheels and is capable of being moved
How the structure will be used
How drinking water and wastewater will be managed
Whether any decks, patios or other fixed structures are proposed.

Development Services

Shire of Bridgetown Greenbushes

(08) 9761 0800 btnshire@bridgetown.wa.gov.au

This information is provided as a general guide only and is correct to the best of the Shire's knowledge at the time of publication. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, legislative requirements, policies and approval processes may change. Individual circumstances and property characteristics may affect the approvals required. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Shire for advice specific to their proposal before commencing any works or purchasing a structure.