no council approval in nsw

Adding extra space to your property doesn’t have to mean months of paperwork and costly approvals. Thanks to NSW legislation, Instant Granny Flats offers a legal and flexible solution that’s often exempt from traditional council approval processes.

Under the Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2021;

Subdivision 3 

Installation of moveable dwellings on land other than land in caravan parks or camping grounds

Section - 77 Installations for which approval not required

(1)  The approval of the council is not required for the installation of the following—

(a)  2 caravans or tents if they are not occupied for—

• (i)  more than 2 consecutive days, and
• (ii)  more than 60 days in a 12 month period,

(b)  1 caravan on land occupied by the owner of the caravan in connection with the owner’s dwelling house if the caravan is—

• (i)  used for habitation only by the owner or members of the owner’s household, and
• (ii)  maintained in a safe and healthy condition,

(c)  a caravan on pastoral or agricultural land if the caravan is merely occupied seasonally by persons employed in pastoral or agricultural operations on the land, or

(d)  a moveable dwelling or associated structure on land to accommodate a person who has been displaced as a result of a natural disaster if the moveable dwelling or associated structure is—

• (i)  maintained in a safe and healthy condition, and
• (ii)  removed within—  

                        (A)  2 years after it is installed, or

                        (B)  if the relevant local approvals policy for the moveable dwelling or associated structure

                               specifies a longer period—the longer period.

This means you can provide a living space for family—without the typical $20,000+ in application fees, planning costs, and long approval timelines.

https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/sl-2021-0461

Instant Granny Flats are designed with this legislation in mind. When paired with our certified, trailer-mounted base, your unit is classified as a caravan—not a permanent dwelling.

Each trailer is:

• Built in Australia, at our Wyong facility
• Compliant with Australian Design Rules (ADR) and VSB1 standards
• Issued with a VIN and registered under a Vehicle Type Approval (VTA)

This ensures that your unit is legally recognised as a caravan and meets the conditions outlined in the legislation.

✅ No DA required in many NSW locations

✅ Move-in ready with fast installation

✅ No foundations or construction permits needed
✅ Lower upfront costs
✅ Flexible and relocatable
 

Before purchasing or placing an Instant Granny Flat on your property, it’s important that you complete your own due diligence to ensure this product is right for your needs.

Here’s what we recommend:

1. Read the legislation carefully – especially Subdivision 3, Section 77
2. Check with your local council for any rules regarding utility connections or time limits
3. Confirm your land meets the basic requirements (e.g. has an existing dwelling)
4. Talk to our team for guidance on setup, compliance, and trailer specifications

⚠️ Important Note: While we do our best to provide accurate, up-to-date information, you must satisfy yourself with the details above and complete your own research. Council policies can vary, and it is your responsibility to ensure this product complies with your local area’s requirements.