Tiny Home Applications

We will apply for approval for you

Are you looking to install a Tiny Home, Prefabricated Home, Manufactured Home or Granny Flat?

We can help with gaining Council Approval

At Dynamic Approvals, we assist with the preparation and submission of documents for the approval of tiny homes, prefabricated homes, secondary dwellings, granny flats and manufactured homes for Council approval or Private Certifier approvals in New South Wales.

Navigating the application process for these types of tiny home dwellings can be complex, involving specific requirements from local councils or private certifiers. Our service is designed to streamline this process, ensuring that all necessary documents are in order and submitted correctly.

We provide support at every stage, from preparing site plans and liaising with manufacturers, reviewing legislative requirements specific to your site and preparing supporting documentation to help you meet the regulatory standards for your project. Whether you're a homeowner or manufacturer, our goal is to simplify the administrative tasks so you can focus on the installation of your tiny home.

We save You Time and Money

We can save you time and money by undertaking this process on your behalf by preparing, collating and processing all of the necessary documentation needed for a thorough application so you spend less time in the planning stages of your development.

Our aim is to get you to the installation phase faster.

The documentation required for a tiny home, whether it is a granny flat, manufactured home, prefabricated home or a kit home, varies considerably depending on the scale of your project and the council to which you are applying. We deal with all local councils in cities and regions throughout NSW as well as consultants across the state to process applications through the NSW Planning Portal.

In addition to the required application forms and the development specific plans, there may also be specialist studies and reports necessary to support your application. Every development is different therefore the nature of your application, and the level of reports required to support it, are dependant on the location of your property, land zoning and the type of development.

In the process of preparing your planning documentation, we will liaise with the required expert consultants on your behalf to create a thorough submission with the greatest chance of being supported and approved.

We take the stress out of the process by preparing, collating and submitting the paperwork for you and liaising with Council throughout the process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • The approval process generally involves two applications to Council:

    • Development Application (DA): The DA is for the proposed ‘use’ of the manufactured home and assesses the suitability of the tiny home on the land, considering zoning, site constraints, and any relevant development controls.

    • Section 68 Application (S68): This is a two prong application.

      • Approval for the installation of the manufactured home.

      • Approval for connection to the effluent management system.

  • The timeframe can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the project and the local council. It can range from a few weeks to several months.

    The key to gaining approval quickly is to having a comprehensive and robust application with the right documents to support the proposal.

    Dynamic Approvals offers a complete package for gaining approval - from sourcing or preparing all of the required documents including site plans, consultant reports, manufacturer engineering, application documents right through to making the submission and liaising with Council on your behalf.

    From our years of experience we save you time and money by handling the approvals process in its entirety.

  • Generally you will need four documents to start the process:

    1. Survey

    2. Soil Report

    3. Manufactured home specs, floor plan & engineering (if available)

    4. Bushfire Report (if your property is bushfire prone land)

    If you don’t have these we can source these on your behalf from our network of consultants.

  • Costs may include:

    • Council application fees: Vary depending on the council and the value of the development.

    • Certifier fees: If required under the DA Consent, a Certifier may be required to assess installation compliance.

    • Consultant fees: For any required professional services such as a surveyor, bushfire consultant, town planning services and geotechnical/soil reports.

  • The difference between a Manufactured Home and a Caravan is generally whether the home is on wheels for mobility or foundations and whether it is ‘installed’ or can be towed to its location.

    The differences are generally defined as following:

    Manufactured Home:

    • State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021: Defines a manufactured home as a dwelling that:

      • is constructed in a factory

      • is transportable in one or more modules

      • is designed to be occupied as a dwelling on a permanent basis

      • complies with Australian Standard AS 3935 (Manufactured Homes)

    • Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2021: Essentially aligns with the Housing SEPP definition, emphasizing that it's built off-site and transported to its location.

    Caravan:

    • State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021: Defines a caravan as a:

      • moveable dwelling

      • designed to be capable of being registered as a trailer

      • specifically excludes camper trailers

    • Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2021: Adds that a caravan is a "moveable dwelling constructed for transport" and provides more detail on what constitutes a "trailer" for registration purposes.

    Key Takeaways from the Definitions:

    • Permanence: The definition of a manufactured home clearly emphasizes its intention for permanent occupation, while a caravan is associated with mobility and temporary use.

    • Construction Standards: Manufactured homes have a specific Australian Standard they must meet (AS 3935), ensuring a higher level of building quality and compliance. Caravans, while having safety regulations, don't have a comparable prescriptive standard.

    • Registration: The caravan definition highlights its connection to road transport regulations, requiring it to be registered as a trailer.

    It's important to note that these definitions can be subject to interpretation and may evolve as the NSW Government continues its review of planning regulations for these types of dwellings. Always check with your local council for the most up-to-date information and specific requirements in your area.

  • The key differences can be defined as following:

    Manufactured Home

    A manufactured home in NSW is a dwelling that is built off-site in a factory and transported to its location. It's designed to be a permanent or semi-permanent residence and must comply with the Australian Standard AS 3935 (Manufactured Homes). This standard ensures that the home meets specific requirements for structural integrity, fire safety, and energy efficiency.  

    • Built in a factory: Construction takes place in a controlled environment, often leading to higher quality control.  

    • Transportable: Delivered to the site in one or more modules, making it relocatable if needed.

    • Permanent or semi-permanent: Intended for long-term living, similar to a traditional home.

    • Complies with AS 3935: Must meet specific building standards to ensure safety and quality.

    • Requires development approval (DA): Approval from the local council is needed for the ‘use’ of the dwelling and to site the home on a property.  

    • Requires Section 68 Approval: Section 68 certification is required for:

      • Installation of the manufactured home

      • Effluent and stormwater compliance.

    Secondary Dwelling

    A secondary dwelling, often referred to as a granny flat, is a self-contained dwelling located on the same property as another dwelling (the primary dwelling). It's smaller than the primary dwelling and is designed to accommodate a separate household. Secondary dwellings are subject to specific planning controls and development standards.  

    • Ancillary to the primary dwelling: Intended as an additional living space on the same lot.  

    • Smaller than the primary dwelling: Size restrictions apply, varying by council.  

    • Self-contained: Includes its own kitchen, bathroom, and living area.  

    • Separate household: Designed for independent living, although it may be occupied by family members.

    • May have different approval pathways: Complying development certificates (CDCs) may be used in some cases, streamlining the approval process.

    • Subject to specific development standards: Must meet requirements for setbacks, privacy, and building design.  

    Key Differences:

    While both offer alternative housing options, the key difference lies in their intended use and construction. Manufactured homes are stand-alone dwellings built off-site to a specific standard, while secondary dwellings are ancillary to an existing dwelling and built on-site, subject to specific size and development controls.