Granny flats, tiny homes and caravans
The popularity of granny flats, tiny homes and transportable accommodation has grown immensely within South Australia. Therefore, it is important to understand the required approvals for these proposed developments.
Even if local or Australian made, development approval is required for the relevant authorities to ensure these accommodations are appropriate and safe.
Browse frequently asked questions on the Onkaparinga website or explore PlanSA’s various resources on ancillary accommodation:
Caravans and transportable dwellings
A caravan is regarded as a towable structure on wheels that has or is capable of obtaining roadworthy certification for registration purposes.
Do I need development approval if using a caravan?
Generally, the use of a caravan does not require development approval unless there is a Change in Land Use (e.g. it is being used on vacant or unused land), or the caravan is permanently "fixed" to the land.
Parking a caravan on land by a person who is an occupant of a dwelling situated on that land is not classed as development - provided that the subject caravan is parked and not “fixed” to the land.
However, if someone moves into the caravan as their primary residence, then it is classed as development and Planning and Building Consent is likely required to ensure the structure is suitable for such habitation and does not negatively impact amenity of the area.
Can I live in a caravan/temporary accommodation on my property?
Under the Schedule 4 of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Regulations 2017, the only circumstances someone may be able to live in a caravan/temporary accommodation on their property, is if their home has been damaged by flood or bushfire.
Excerpts of relevant sections from the Regulations below:
View the full Planning, Development and Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017 here
Does the use of a tiny home on wheels (THOW) require approval?
Yes, as it is classed as development. In which, there has been a change in the use of land and/or there is proposed building work.
THOWs or any form of moveable/transportable housing is a moveable building or structure that is placed (and often replaced) on land. The PDI Act provides that the act of placing or relocating a moveable/transportable building or structure is development that requires approval.
As of March 2021, all development applications must be lodged through the PlanSA portal.
Do I need development approval each time I move moveable housing?
Yes, as it is considered development under the South Australian Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016; in which building works to move/relocate always requires development approval.
Building compliance
Once a development application is granted full development approval, the issued Decision Notification Form (DNF) lists the mandatory building notifications and timeframes that are required to be submitted.
Under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, the applicant is required to inform council within 1 (one) business day.
Failure to comply with the mandated building notifications may result in expiations and enforcement action.
Building inspections
Through the Practice Directions prescribed by the PDI Act, council must undertake inspections of the subject site.
Completed inspections are recorded within the Inspections tab of the relevant application in the PlanSA Portal.
Learn more about inspections and compliance on PlanSA.
Building rectifications
If there are any breaches, issues and/or faults found during the inspection(s), a building rectification will be sent to the Builder and/or Owner-Builder that submitted the original building notification.
Upon rectification of the breaches, issues and faults, the Builder and/or Owner-Builder must submit a response to Council’s building rectification notification. It will then be determined if a further inspection is required.
Further information
PlanSA | Guide for Volume Builders and Building Supervisors: Submit a Building Notification
PlanSA | Certificate of Occupancy