Shire of Plantagenet tiny homes policy open for public comment

Rules governing the tenure of living arrangements in tiny homes could soon be relaxed in the Shire of Plantagenet, with its draft policy open for public comment.

The proposed council policy for camping and temporary accommodation would allow residents to apply for a permit to live in a tiny homes on wheels for up to 24 months, on a private property, with the possibility to reapply.

The move was made to alleviate stress on those entangled in the housing crisis and provide temporary, affordable accommodation alternatives.

Specifications for tiny homes on wheels include it being made of domestic-grade materials, having a maximum floor space of 50sqm, demonstrating structural safety and it not being a refurbished caravan, bus or other vehicle.

Other requirements include installation of utility services, appropriate bushfire planning and adequate waste management.

The policy also increases time allowances for short-term camping for up to 21 nights and long-term camping for residents building a home for up to a year.

The draft policy comes after the Caravan Park and Camping Grounds Regulations 1997 was amended on September 1, permitting local governments to increase the time limit for “camping” from its previous three-month limit.

Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley labelled the modification as a “common sense” change at the time.

“These changes are designed to reduce the administrative burden for applicants, who are often focused on recovering from a natural disaster or building a new home,” she said.

The Shire of Denmark was the first local government to take advantage of the Statewide legislative change when it adopted its semi-permanent approvals for tiny homes on wheels policy on November 26.

The public comment period for the policy is open until 4.15pm on July 17.

Submissions can be made via email to info@sop.wa.gov.au or post to PO Box 48, Mt Barker WA 6324.

Further information is available on the Shire of Plantagenet website.