LIVING TINY TASMANIA

You sure can.  The State Government has issued a Fact Sheet via its regulatory body CBOS which states:-

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"If a structure is built with wheels (e.g. a caravan or a trailer) and is capable of being registered as a vehicle by the Tasmanian Motor Vehicle Registry at the Department of State Growth, it is not considered a building, so the requirements for building approval do not apply.  However, there may still be planning matters to consider, so you will need to contact your local council prior to proceeding."

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See:  https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/629972/Fact-Sheet-Tiny-Homes,-Studio-Pods-and-Granny-Flats-August-2021.PDF​

As the CBOS Fact Sheet explains relating to "on wheels" building approval is not required.  However CBOS has in 2024 also issued a Regulatory Note for 'Tiny Houses'.  This Regulatory Note includes Tiny Houses built on wheels (THOWs) and explains additional requirements they are enforcing in relation to plumbing matters. 

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Again every Council in the state also has different requirements, so it is always a good idea to check with your local Council to see how best you can work along with their expectations.

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See:  https://cbos.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/748574/CBOS-Regulatory-Note-Tiny-Houses.pdf​

To comply with Transport regulations for towing on the road a THOW is restricted to 2.5m wide and 4.3m high (from the ground to the apex of the roof). Lengths can vary according to need. If you are looking for an AirBnB or spare room you would be looking at starting from 4.8m.  Our most popular length for full time living is currently 8.0m, however they can be built longer so long as it also comes within the weight restriction of the trailer, and so long as we can fit it in our shed to build it!!!

Starting at 4.8m in length we build to a maximum weight of 3.5tonne, from 6.3m and up they are built to 4.5tonne. The weight which a THOW is rated at is the total weight that can be towed on the road.

Why not?

Perhaps you want to decrease your footprint?

A THOW is an economical way to own your own home, it is a perfect option for an extra income as an Airbnb, or maybe somewhere for your teenagers to have their own space in your backyard?

It is also a great option to live in on your own block while you are building your larger “dream home” …and the list goes on and on…

Absolutely. Complete off the grid solar packages are available and we can put you in touch with someone here in Tassie who can help you out.

No. With good design and planning there are options for ground floor sleeping.

Generally people like loft sleeping because it increases your “living area” whilst maintaining a smaller footprint. Sort of a “more bang for your buck” kind of thing!! Lofts can be accessed via stairs which can have built in storage (and who doesn’t need more storage) or a ladder (depending how agile you are).

We are a small family business based on the north west coast of Tasmania with a passion for providing a unique service. No two people are the same and we believe it is super important to custom design your THOW to suit YOU. They all have lots of similarities, but we like to think outside the square and come up with a design unique to you and your needs. Tasmania is only a small place and we also like to “support the locals” as much as we can.

All that is needed is a vehicle able to tow up to 4.5tonne, so maybe you have a mate with a RAM or F250?

We can organise delivery for you if you prefer, that is no problem at all. We have contacts for towing both in the north and the south of the state with vehicles capable of towing and positioning your THOW on site.

A level site for the THOW to be setup on with clear access to allow for the height etc.

• external cladding - colorbond (other options include western red cedar & more)

• internal cladding – lightweight ply linings (painted or clear coat options)

• applicable gas, plumbing and electrical certificates

• instantaneous gas hot water system

• allowance and fittings for gas bottles

• fully registered (as a caravan) for towing on the road

• fully insulated walls and ceilings

• double glazed windows and doors

• light fittings

• all internal painting

• 2 burner gas cooktop

• allowance for fridge and microwave/oven

• kitchen bench and cupboards, including sink and taps

• soft close fittings to all cabinet doors and drawers

• shower enclosure

• bathroom vanity cupboard, sink and taps

• toilet (compliant for caravan use)

• vinyl flooring