Caravans and tiny houses on wheels on private property
On 21 June 2023, we announced changes to Local Law 13, which relates to camping on private property.
This change allows either a caravan, a tiny house on wheels or a tent to stay on privately owned property with a current residence without the need for a permit.
Previously, anyone camping or staying in a caravan or tiny house for up to six months on private property needed to have a permit.
Councillors unanimously voted to remove those permit requirements, which means people are now able to camp, or occupy a caravan or tiny house on wheels, on property where there is an existing dwelling, for an indefinite period of time with no permit required.
This means there is more flexibility for people to stay in different forms of housing for an indefinite period of time.
Local Law 13 does not cover permanent or non-moveable housing – this is where building regulations and the Mount Alexander Planning Scheme come in.
These changes came into effect on 29 June 2023.
Conditions still apply to people using temporary dwellings such as tents, caravans and tiny houses on wheels.
When is a permit not required?
You do not need a permit on private land with a current residence if:
- Your temporary dwelling can be removed.
i.e. a tiny house that is on wheels
- You are disposing of wastewater, sewage and domestic refuse offsite.
i.e. you are not connected to the water, electricity or sewage system at the main house
- You are using your temporary dwelling for private use, not commercial purposes.
i.e. the landowner is not charging the person in the temporary dwelling rent
i.e. you are not conducting business out of your temporary dwelling
If your dwelling does not comply with the above, please contact Council’s Planning team to discuss your options.
Speak to a planner
You can speak to a planner in person at the Castlemaine Civic Centre on the following days:
- Mondays, 8.30am to 4.30pm
- Wednesdays, 8.30am to 4.30pm
- Fridays, 8.30am to 4.30pm
You can also book an appointment or speak to a planner over the phone by calling our Customer Service team on 03 5471 1700 to arrange a time.
More Information
The difference between a tiny home and a tiny house on wheels
Tiny home
A tiny home dwelling is a small, permanent residential building constructed in compliance with building regulations and may require approval under the Mount Alexander Planning Scheme.
A tiny home dwelling does require a building and planning permit. To find out what you need, call our Planning team on 03 5471 1700.
Tiny house on wheels
A tiny house on wheels is a relocatable vehicle fitted for residential occupation.
A tiny house on wheels does not require a permit if it is located on private land with a current dwelling.
Camping on private land without a current residence
If you are camping on private land that doesn’t have a current residence you will require a Camping on public or private land permit. The permit will allow:
- a maximum of six consecutive months is allowed for camping, or
- if there is a current valid building permit on the property, Council would allow 12 consecutive months for camping. This extended time is for the purposes of construction.
When considering a permit application Council must consider the following:
- the provision of adequate sanitary facilities are provided for any occupant
- wastewater, sewage and domestic waste must be disposed of off-site
- the occupation does not affect or cause a nuisance to the occupants of other properties
- all weather access is provided to enable the removal of the caravan or tiny house on wheels
- the camping, caravan or tiny house on wheels is only for private use and not commercial purposes
- the Mount Alexander Shire Planning Scheme.
Apply for a permit on the Camping on public or private land permit page.