Shellharbour Council is taking the next step toward a two-year trial of mobile tiny homes, aiming to give locals more affordable rental options.
These small, moveable dwellings are built on trailers and can be registered like a vehicle under the Road Transport Act 2013.
Caption: Mobile tiny home. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
Mayor Chris Homer said the pilot program highlights Council's commitment to exploring innovative housing solutions to support the evolving needs of the community.
"We know that renting can be hard and expensive. This is about giving people more housing choices, while making sure everything is safe and well-managed," said Mayor Homer.
"Tiny homes offer a flexible and lower cost option for locals. This trial will help us see how well they work in our area."
To allow the trial to proceed, Council will prepare a Planning Proposal to change the Shellharbour Local Environmental Plan 2013. This change would allow mobile tiny homes to be installed on existing residential properties without a development application, subject to strict conditions. These include minimum setbacks, connection to essential services, and compliance with fire safety and construction standards.
The Planning Proposal must be approved by the NSW Government, including a Gateway determination from the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. The process is expected to take up to six months.
Once approved, the Planning Proposal will be put on public exhibition so the community can have their say.
After the two-year trial, Council will review how it went and decide whether to continue, change or stop the program.
KEY MESSAGES:
- Council is seeking to amend its Local Environmental Plan to facilitate a two-year trial of mobile tiny homes.
- The Tiny Homes trial aims to provide more affordable and flexible housing options for Shellharbour residents.
- Mobile tiny homes will be easier to install under the proposed changes on existing residential properties, with clear safety and location rules.
