Tiny Home Regulations in South Australia
SA allows ancillary accommodation up to 70 sqm and treats THOWs like caravans — parking one on residential land may not need approval.
Key Facts — SA
Overview
South Australia’s planning system was overhauled by the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (PDI Act), which replaced the previous Development Act 1993. The statewide Planning and Design Code — administered through the PlanSA portal — replaced individual council development plans in March 2021, creating a more consistent framework across the state.
For tiny home owners, the key question is which category your dwelling falls into: ancillary accommodation (the SA term for a granny flat or secondary dwelling), a caravan, or a primary dwelling. Each has a different approval pathway, and getting the classification right at the start will save you significant time and cost. For a broader comparison, see our guide on tiny homes versus granny flats.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, planning or building advice. Regulations change frequently and vary between council areas. Always verify current requirements with your local council before proceeding.
Ancillary Accommodation (Granny Flats)
Ancillary accommodation is SA’s term for what is commonly called a granny flat or secondary dwelling. It must be on the same allotment as an existing primary dwelling, be subordinate to that dwelling, and contain no more than two bedrooms.
Recent Reforms: Self-Contained and Larger
Two significant changes have made ancillary accommodation more viable for tiny home living in SA:
-
Self-contained dwellings now permitted. Under the updated definition, ancillary accommodation can be fully self-contained — with its own kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Previously, granny flats had to share these facilities with the main dwelling. This change makes SA one of the more progressive states for secondary dwelling independence.
-
Maximum floor area increased to 70 sqm. The Ancillary Accommodation and Student Accommodation Definitions Review Code Amendment, adopted by the Minister for Planning in November 2024, increased the maximum floor area from 60 to 70 square metres.
Who Can Live in Ancillary Accommodation?
Anyone. SA removed the requirement for occupants to be family members or dependants of the primary dwelling’s residents. A property owner can enter into a residential occupation agreement with any person — meaning ancillary accommodation can be rented out on the open market.
Approval Requirements
Ancillary accommodation always requires a development application assessed against the Planning and Design Code. The assessment considers policies relating to built form, floor area, setbacks, site coverage, common facilities and other matters within the Code’s zones, subzones, overlays and general development policies.
To find the specific policies that apply to your property, use the PlanSA tool “What policies apply to a development at an address?” on the Planning and Design Code website.
A Building Rules Consent is also required to ensure the structure meets the National Construction Code (NCC) standards. This covers structural adequacy, fire safety, waterproofing, energy efficiency and amenity.
Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOWs)
The classification of a THOW in South Australia depends on how it is used and connected. Understanding this distinction is critical — it determines whether you need development approval or not. For more on the different types, see our guide on types of tiny homes.
When a THOW Is Treated as a Caravan
According to PlanSA’s Ancillary Accommodation, Caravans and Moveable Housing FAQ, parking a caravan on land used for residential purposes by a person who is an occupant of a dwelling on that land does not require development approval — provided the caravan is parked on (and not fixed to) the land.
This means a THOW can potentially be occupied on residential land without approval if:
- There is an existing dwelling on the property
- The person using the THOW is an occupant of that dwelling
- The THOW is parked, not permanently fixed to the land
- The THOW is not connected to permanent services (particularly wastewater)
When Approval Is Required
A THOW will require development approval if:
- It is on vacant or unused land (no existing dwelling)
- It is permanently fixed to the land
- It is connected to a wastewater system — this triggers requirements under the South Australian Public Health (Wastewater) Regulations 2013 and likely a Building Rules Consent
- It is being rented out or used as a separate dwelling in its own right
The Wastewater Trigger
This is a key practical issue. Once a THOW is connected to a wastewater disposal system, it generally can no longer be classified as a simple caravan. This triggers the need for wastewater system approval and potentially a Building Rules Consent. Many THOW owners work around this by using composting toilets and greywater systems, but the legality of these arrangements should be confirmed with your council.
NCC Compliance Concerns
PlanSA has specifically noted that many tiny home products on the market do not comply with Class 1a occupancy requirements under the NCC. Where minimum NCC requirements are not met, obtaining Building Rules Consent may be difficult. If you are purchasing a THOW with the intention of obtaining formal approval, confirm NCC compliance with the manufacturer before buying.
Fixed Tiny Homes as Primary Dwellings
If you want a tiny home as your primary residence — whether site-built, modular or factory-built — it is classified as a dwelling and requires full development approval under the Planning and Design Code, plus Building Rules Consent under the NCC.
The assessment pathway depends on your property’s zone, subzone and any applicable overlays. In some residential zones, a detached dwelling may qualify as “accepted development” (requiring only building consent, not planning consent), but this depends on meeting specific quantitative requirements. Check the Planning and Design Code for your address.
Temporary Structures
SA has a provision allowing a temporary structure to be used as accommodation by the landowner for up to two years, or until a new dwelling is able to be occupied. This can be relevant if you are building a permanent home and want to live in a THOW on site during construction.
Key Contacts & Resources
Primary legislation and planning:
- Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 — SA’s main planning legislation
- Planning and Design Code — browse the code and check policies for your address
- PlanSA — the state planning portal for guides, lodgement and enquiries
- PlanSA — Ancillary Accommodation, Caravans and Moveable Housing FAQ (PDF)
Building and construction:
Industry:
- Australian Tiny House Association — State Regulations
- ATHA — Local Laws (council-by-council tracker)
Your local council: Use the PlanSA portal to find your council and check the specific policies that apply to your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a tiny home on wheels on my property in South Australia?
Potentially, yes — without development approval. If there is an existing dwelling on the land, you are an occupant of that dwelling, and the THOW is parked (not fixed) on the land and not connected to permanent wastewater services, PlanSA’s FAQ indicates development approval is not required. However, once a THOW is connected to a wastewater system or is permanently fixed to the land, approval is triggered. Check with your council to confirm their interpretation, as enforcement practices can vary.
Can I build a self-contained granny flat in SA?
Yes. Under the updated Planning and Design Code, ancillary accommodation can be fully self-contained with its own kitchen, bathroom and laundry — it no longer needs to share facilities with the main dwelling. The maximum floor area is 70 sqm, and the dwelling must be subordinate to the primary residence. Development approval (planning consent and building consent) is required.
Can I rent out my granny flat to anyone in SA?
Yes. SA removed the requirement for ancillary accommodation occupants to be related to or dependent on the primary dwelling’s residents. You can enter into a rental agreement with any person. This applies to both new and existing ancillary accommodation.
What is the Planning and Design Code?
The Planning and Design Code is South Australia’s statewide planning rulebook, introduced in March 2021 to replace individual council development plans. It sets out the zones, overlays, subzones and policies that apply to every property in the state. You can browse the code and look up what applies to your address at code.plan.sa.gov.au. While individual councils no longer set their own development plans, they remain involved in assessing applications.
Does my tiny home need to meet the Building Code?
If it is a fixed dwelling or ancillary accommodation intended for habitation, yes — it must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC/BCA) and obtain a Building Rules Consent. If it is a THOW treated as a caravan (parked, not fixed, not connected to permanent services), the NCC does not directly apply — but PlanSA has flagged that many THOW products on the market do not meet NCC Class 1a requirements, which can create problems if you later need formal approval.
How do I find out what rules apply to my property?
Start with the Planning and Design Code — use the “what policies apply to a development at an address” tool to see the zones, overlays and policies for your specific property. Then contact your local council’s planning department to discuss your proposal. The PlanSA portal also has guides and resources for common development types. For comparison with other states, see our guides for NSW and Queensland.
Next Steps
- Determine your pathway: Are you pursuing ancillary accommodation (granny flat), a THOW on existing residential land, or a primary dwelling?
- Check your property’s planning policies: Use the Planning and Design Code to look up the zones, overlays and policies that apply to your address
- Talk to your council: An informal enquiry with the planning department will help clarify what is required for your specific proposal
- Confirm NCC compliance: If purchasing a THOW or prefabricated home, confirm with the manufacturer that it meets NCC Class 1a requirements before committing
- Engage a professional: A building designer, private certifier or town planner familiar with the PDI Act and Planning and Design Code will help navigate the process
- Find a builder: Browse our builder directory to find South Australian tiny home builders who understand the local approval process