Tiny Homes

There has been a rise in popularity and enquiries with respect to 'Tiny Homes' in the Shire and more broadly in Western Australia. As cost of living increases people are looking for alternative low cost living arrangements. However, there are legislative restrictions applicable which you should be aware of.

Before purchasing a 'Tiny Home' please ensure it complies with the relevant Planning, Building and Health legislation. If you are unsure or have any questions please contact the Shire on (08) 9724 0000 or email records@dardanup.wa.gov.au 

What is a 'Tiny Home'?

Tiny house (or home) is an umbrella term broadly used to describe a structure (building) or vehicle designed for habitation which is considerably smaller than a typical dwelling.

Tiny homes can be separated into two distinct types:

1. Tiny home on wheels
2. Tiny home not on wheels

Tiny home on wheels

Tiny homes on wheels are vehicles and meet the classification of a ‘caravan’ as outlined below:

a) a caravan is defined as a trailer (including a camper trailer) permanently fitted for human habitation in the course of a journey and
b) a trailer is defined as a vehicle designed to be drawn by another vehicle.

Caravans are regulated under the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act 1995. Permanent occupation of a caravan can only occur in a licensed Caravan Park. Temporary occupation of a caravan on private property can occur:

  • For up to 5 nights, with the landowner’s consent.
  • For over 5 nights and up to 24 months, formal written approval is required from the Shire of Dardanup or Minister for Local Government. 

For further information please contact the Shire's Environmental Health Services Team on (08) 9724 0000.

Tiny home not on wheels

Tiny homes not on wheels are usually considered as single houses or ancillary dwellings. A Tiny home is considered a ‘building’ and is regulated under the Planning and Development Act 2005 and Building Act 2011. All habitable buildings need to be designed to comply with the National Construction Codes (NCC) and obtain a building permit from the Shire of Dardanup. In addition to a building permit, Development Approval under the Shire’s Local Planning Scheme may also be required depending on the type, design and location of the proposed building.

Building and Health Compliance

Tiny homes are required to comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Shire of Dardanup Health Local Laws 2000 which include but are not limited to:

  • A tiny home must include a kitchen, bathroom and laundry.
  • Minimum ceiling heights of 2.4m for habitable rooms (i.e. living rooms, bedrooms, etc.) and 2.1m for non-habitable rooms (bathrooms, WC, laundry, kitchen, etc.).
  • Comply with the relevant waterproofing and weatherproofing requirements.
  • Be connected to sewer or a suitable approved on-site effluent disposal system.
  • Be connected to electricity and have electrical compliance with AS/NZS3000.
  • Be connected to water (including hot water) and have plumbing compliance with AS/NZS3500.
  • If connected to gas, have compliance for Gas Installations AS/NZS5601.
  • Comply with mechanical ventilation requirements (bathrooms/toilets).
  • Comply with ventilation and light requirements.
  • Demonstrate Fire Safety Design - smoke alarm installation.
  • Comply with Energy Efficiency requirements.
  • Demonstrate compliance with bushfire construction specifications (if located within a Bushfire Prone Area).
  • Comply with the relevant Termite Management requirements
  • Engineering Certification for the structure which includes ground connection details
  • Comply with sanitation requirements as set out in the Health Local Laws 2000.

    Please Note: A Private Building Surveyor Contractor must certify applications for a building permit, submitted to the Shire of Dardanup, for any tiny home.

    For information and how to apply for a Certified Building Permit please visit Building Applications and Forms or call the Shire's Building Services Team on (08) 9724 0000.

    Planning Compliance

    Tiny homes are required to comply with the zoning requirements of Local Planning Scheme No.9 and Local Planning Policies whether they be used as a single house, ancillary dwelling or any other form of permanent occupation. This includes the following:

    • Residential Design Code compliance.
    • Setbacks/building envelope requirements.
    • Services and utilities.
    • Bushfire compliance (if applicable).

    For further clarification of Tiny Homes from the Western Australian Planning Commission please visit Tiny Houses Fact Sheet - WAPC

    For further information please contact the Shire's Planning Services Team on (08) 9724 0000.