Queensland to review rules for tiny homes

Outdated rules that restrict Queenslanders from living in tiny homes will be reviewed as the state struggles with a desperate housing crisis. VOTE IN OUR POLL

Rules that restrict Queenslanders from living in tiny homes will be reviewed as residents across the state scramble to find suitable housing options amid an affordability crisis.

Tiny homes on wheels, such as caravans or converted buses, are regarded as temporary housing under local government laws.

But when the housing option transitions to permanent residential use, it then requires arduous approvals related to planning, building, plumbing and drainage.

Cairns builder Marc Neilsen has launched the new business Tropical Tiny Homes, building and selling small dwellings 14.4 square metres in size that come delivered on a trailer. The fully equipped homes start at $57,000. Picture: Brendan MacRae Photography

A petition with nearly 5400 signatures handed to Queensland Parliament called on the government to amend the cumbersome laws, noting the extreme pressures on those struggling to afford a roof over their heads.

“We are living in a housing crisis, yet people living in caravans (and) buses … are being evicted off private property,” the petitions says.

“These housing types are currently classed as ‘temporary’ accommodation by local councils across Queensland and managed with a local law that limits the time people can live in them.

“For many Queenslanders, these types of housing are the only affordable form of housing they will ever have, yet they cannot live in them permanently.

“Many Queensland residents also wish to host these housing types but are not allowed under local councils’ town plans.”

The petition calls on the government to recognise that buses, tiny homes on wheels and caravans as permanent housing options and amend local town plans to allow rural properties to host several tiny housing options.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles, who also serves as Planning and Local Government Minister, said he has instructed his two relevant departments to work together to consider new guidance relevant to the growing reliance on tiny houses.

“I am aware of the popularity of tiny homes and how they can contribute to the overall solution to address housing challenges,” he said in a response to the petition.

“Many local governments enable the use of tiny homes, caravans, and the like on a temporary basis through local laws.

Queensland laws currently prevent residents from living in tiny homes permanently. Picture: Tiny Homes Australia

“Currently, if a tiny home on wheels or other vehicle transitions to a permanent residential use, it becomes a structure and is then subject to relevant planning, building, plumbing and drainage approvals — all of which are managed by local governments.”

Mr Miles said Queensland legislation limits the state government’s power to intervene or direct councils on matters related to local planning and local laws.

“It is at the discretion of each council to make the decisions that it considers appropriate for the needs and views of its community,” he said.

“However, given the overall interaction of this type of development with both the local government and planning frameworks, I have asked both the Planning and Local Government areas of my department to work together to consider the recent innovations in tiny homes and provide advice on any new guidance necessary to better plan for these types of homes.”

Originally published as Queensland to review rules for tiny homes