Moveable & Modular Dwellings – NSW Guide
🏡 Moveable & Modular Dwellings – NSW Guidance Hub
👤 For Residents & Buyers in Caravan Parks or Camping Grounds
Source: NSW Local Government Regulation 2021
📋 What’s Allowed?
You do not need council approval (under Section 68 of the Local Government Act) to install a moveable dwelling if:
- The site is within an approved caravan park or camping ground
- The park manager deems the installation necessary (e.g. for a displaced person)
- The dwelling complies with Division 4 or 5, Part 3 of the Local Government Regulation 2021
⚠️ Note: The number of dwellings must not exceed the site’s approved capacity.
🧱 Who Is Responsible?
- The caravan park/campground manager is responsible for:
- Authorising the installation
- Ensuring compliance with design, safety, and installation standards
⏱️ How Long Can You Stay?
| Site Type | Max Stay / Year |
|---|---|
| Short-term or camp site | 150 days |
| Holiday van owner | 180 days |
| Primitive camping ground | 50 days |
| Displaced by natural disaster | Up to 2 years (manager-authorised) |
🔧 For Buyers of Relocatable or Flat-Pack Homes
Source: NSW Planning Circular PS 21-016
🏠 Relocatable Homes (Modular, Transportable)
Relocatable homes are factory-made and moved in one or more sections. They include kitchen, laundry, and bathroom facilities.
- ✅ Approval Required: Section 68 of the Local Government Act
- Must Have:
- Structural engineer certificate
- Installed to approved specifications
- Compliance plate
- 🚫 Not Required: Occupation Certificate, Principal Certifying Authority (PCA), or BASIX certificate
📦 Flat-Pack Homes (Kit Homes)
These are classified as buildings (not moveable dwellings).
- You must lodge:
- Development Application (DA)
- Construction Certificate (CC)
- BASIX certificate
- PCA appointment and inspections
- Occupation certificate is required before moving in
🌾 For Landowners – Farm Stay & Agritourism
Source: NSW Agritourism & Small-Scale Agriculture FAQ
🛖 Farm Use of Moveable Homes
- Permitted on commercial farms only
- Farm must be zoned RU1, RU2, RU4 (or equivalent)
- Dwellings must be ancillary to the primary agricultural use
🔧 Development Rules
- You may qualify for:
- Exempt development
- Complying development
- Or need to lodge a DA
- You can use:
- Existing manufactured homes
- Tents, caravans, or approved relocatable homes
📌 Possible Additional Approvals
- Section 68 approval for installation
- Water/sewerage connection approval
- Compliance with Clauses 77–82 of LG Regulation