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 for the subject land.
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 the use of land (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 used for residential purposes by a person who is an occupant of a dwelling situated on that land is not development. This would not require development approval, provided the caravan is parked and not “fixed” to the land.
You are able to park your private caravan on private land, however, if someone moves into the caravan to live, planning and building approvals is likely required to ensure the structure is suitable for habitation and does not negatively impact neighbours.
Can I live in a caravan/temporary accommodation on my property?
Under the PDI Act, the only circumstances someone will be able to live in a caravan/temporary accommodation on their property, is if their home has been damaged by flood or fire.
A temporary structure may be used as accommodation by the owner of the land provided it is used for a period not exceeding 2 years, or used until a new dwelling is able to be occupied in accordance with the PDI Act.
Does the use of a tiny home on wheels (THOW) require approval?
Yes, as it is considered development. In which, there has been a change in the use of land or there has been 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.
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 PDI Act; required building work to move/relocate. Hence, requires development approval.
Building compliance
Once an application is granted 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 fines and enforcement action from council Compliance Officers.
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.
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/owner-builder that submitted the original building notification.
Upon rectification of the breaches, issues and/or faults, the builder/bowner-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