Tiny homes
We believe all Queenslanders should have access to safe, secure, and quality homes that meet their needs. We need to support more homes, while protecting what we love about the Queensland lifestyle.
Tiny homes can offer a bespoke affordable housing solution and are becoming increasingly popular in the community.
Read more below on:
- how tiny homes are regulated under the planning framework
- considerations when building or living in a tiny home in Queensland.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A tiny home is not specifically defined under Queensland’s planning framework but is commonly a small and compact dwelling. While tiny homes can range in size, by their nature they are significantly smaller than a standard detached dwelling.
There are two types of tiny homes: fixed tiny homes (for permanent accommodation) and temporary use tiny homes (typically on wheels). Depending on how a tiny home is used and established, different rules apply in Queensland.
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Housing needs to be safe and meet the needs of its residents.
Tiny homes that are fixed to the land as permanent land uses are regulated under the planning framework.
Tiny homes that are fixed to the land; are used or capable of being used as a self-contained residence; and contain food preparation facilities, a bath or shower, a toilet, a wash basin, and facilities for washing clothes, are considered dwellings under the planning framework.
All residential development requires building approval under the Building Act 1975 (including the Building Code of Australia) and plumbing and drainage approval under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018.
In Queensland, the planning framework is responsible for regulating land use and the impacts a use may have on the land and the community.
Depending on the operation of these dwellings and the configuration on the site, one of the following land use definitions under Schedule 24 of the Planning Regulation 2017 (Planning Regulation) might apply:
- dwelling house
- secondary dwelling
- dual occupancy
- multiple dwelling
- relocatable home park.
The following table provides guidance on when an approval may be required for a tiny home.
Intended use
Is an approval required?
A tiny home that:
- may be on wheels; and
- may be registered as a caravan or trailer; and
- is only intended for temporary accommodation (e.g. similar to a caravan); and
- not connected to services (e.g. town water and sewer).
This is considered to be a caravan, not a dwelling and local laws may apply.
Caravans are regulated under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 and may also be regulated by local government local laws under the Local Government Act 2009.
A tiny home that:
- may be on wheels or not on wheels; and
- is being used to provide permanent on-site accommodation; and
- is the only dwelling on the lot, or is a secondary dwelling.
If compliant with the criteria under the Planning Regulation, no planning approval is required. Otherwise, a planning approval may be required under the local government planning scheme. Building approval and plumbing and drainage approval may be required.
All other uses of a tiny home – examples of these uses include but are not limited to (whether on wheels or not):
- a tiny house that is rented out as short-term accommodation or leased as a residence to a tenant; or
- a tiny house that is used as a home office or as a home-based business; or
- more than two tiny houses on one property.
A planning approval may be required under the local government planning scheme.
Building approval and plumbing and draining approval may also be required.
Under Schedule 6 of the Planning Regulation, a material change of use for a dwelling house cannot be stated as assessable development in a local categorising instrument. This ensures that the development of dwelling houses, where meeting the necessary requirements, are only regulated for building works under the Building Act 1975. This means that development for a dwelling house, where meeting the criteria in the Planning Regulation, does not need to undergo assessment by the local government, and is instead assessed by a private certifier against the building assessment provisions.
Tiny and small homes are considered suitable housing forms to be used as a secondary dwelling and are encouraged, where fixed to the land as a permanent land use across the State.
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Generally, tiny homes that are moveable and not fixed to the land, are not regulated by the planning framework and are considered to be caravans due to their similar size, temporary nature, and wheels.
Where a tiny home does not meet the definitions of ‘building’ or ‘dwelling’ under the planning and building frameworks, and is on wheels, they are regulated under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995, as caravans.
Temporary tiny homes are not required to be built to the Building Code of Australia standards or apply for planning approval. However, a tiny home that does not meet the definition of a dwelling and does not have the appropriate building approvals, whether on wheels or not, is not considered suitable for permanent living.
Tiny homes that are not consistent with the building requirements in the Building Code of Australia and the Queensland Development Code may not offer a safe, secure and quality living choice. This is because some of their structural and drainage characteristics, low ceiling heights, fixtures and fittings, energy efficiency requirements, and accessibility standards differ from standard buildings and may present challenges for fire safety and other compliance benchmarks.
Some local governments have made local laws to allow property owners to let people live in a caravan or temporary use tiny home in their backyard for certain periods of time. It is at the discretion of each council to make the decisions that it considers appropriate for the needs and views of its community.
Contact your local government to understand more on the regulation of caravans and temporary use tiny homes in your area.
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Multiple permanent tiny homes on a single lot would be considered to be a multiple dwelling within the Planning Framework. An assessment of a use will generally consider the suitability of the location including its zoning. For example, multiple dwellings as a permanent use are generally more suited to residential zoned areas compared to rural zoned areas.
The rural zone covers land that is suited for farming and other rural uses and is usually located outside of towns. Furthermore, rural zoned land is unlikely to be connected to reticulated water and sewer. Therefore, multiple tiny homes for long-term use on a rural property is generally not envisaged.
Under the Planning Regulation and the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2023 (ShapingSEQ), the Regional Landscape and Rural Production Area (RLRPA) and Rural Living Area (RLA) is protected from inappropriate development, particularly urban and rural residential development. Land in the RLRPA provides important values that help sustain the region, socially, economically and environmentally. This area protects the values of this land from encroachment by urban and rural residential development and protects natural assets and regional landscapes.
It is recommended that you speak to your relevant local government about the rules that apply in your local area.
Last updated: 30 Sep 2024