Tiny House policy template launched

Tiny houses have been gaining momentum over the past few years as a viable and affordable form of housing and in these desperate times, they are more prominent than ever.

However, as much as tiny homes are valid forms of accommodation and increasing in popularity, plenty of councils across Australia are still confused and ill-informed on the planning and building of such abodes - something the ATHA is hoping to change.

“Councils are stretched to their limits with COVID-19 issues, budget constraints and lack of resources and quality research to deal with this new housing model; all of which creates an environment of confusion and hesitation on the part of councils to take action,” said ATHA President, Kim Connolly.

“After many hundreds of hours, ATHA has assembled a policy template as a guide for government agencies, which develops a framework and a consistent approach to the assessment of tiny houses under a planning system.

“The outcome would be to lessen the confusion, create intentional, actionable steps for councils so the community has confidence that they are actively providing a solution.”

The policy was put together by a group of ATHA members who are structural engineers, town planners, tiny house builders and dwellers; and is designed to be used by local government planning and building officers to support the legal approval of tiny houses in their area.

It outlines the definition of a tiny house as well as development requirements such as where it can be built and placed, water and electricity access, safety and noise considerations and more.

According to Connolly, it is important for councils and the general public to be better informed about tiny houses as they serve a very important purpose in a cash-strapped community.

“Now, more than ever, tiny houses provide a home for young couples entering the housing market; people downsizing; older, single women with superannuation funds too small to buy an average sized house; grown up children moving home because of COVID-19 issues; transient professionals such as travelling nurses or teachers; emergency accommodation due to fires or domestic violence; people looking for a sustainable, low-impact lifestyle and anyone needing secure, affordable housing,” she said.

In addition, building and renting out tiny houses is also a great way for Australians to diversify their income stream, Connolly added.

“A tiny house in their backyards not only creates affordable housing for the tiny homeowner but also brings much needed financial help to the mortgage owner while limiting urban sprawl,” she said.

“Tiny house sales are increasing because they are so badly needed at this moment in time.

“They are not a fad, they are an answer and we are helping councils to fast track the approval process and get people housed.”