What are the rules around putting a transportable cabin (e.g. shipping container/small tiny home/granny flat) in your front yard, to be used as a study/emergency spare bedroom, does this need council approval, and is it a major hassle? Really only need one room.
There is a high hedge at the front yard boundary, so the cabin would not really be visible from the street.
Thanks in advance
No side access to backyard. Plenty of space in front yard for a very small cabin.
Your setback requirements also depends on how far the next door neighbours are setback. It’s usually the middle distance of the two. That is, if one neighbour is 1m back and the next is 5m back, you can do to 3m. Though sometimes you can try and argue to be as close as the closest neighbour is (1m).
Crane the shipping container over the house into the backyard.
I agree, probably not cheap but the best option if there is space in the backyard. A granny flat in the front yard would definitely cost more as it will reduce the street appeal of the property and consequential drop in the value.
@spal: Talking about $170/hr for the crane+driver.
Would be 3hrs minimum charge + 1hr travel. So under $700 Cranage assuming no dogman is required which may be.
@Thatbargainhunter: Thank you. That is pretty handy information. That is small coin for the loss in value would be much more. Although it depends on how far the nearest crane guys are, and rates would differ in different locations.
@spal: Of course.
Rates are fairly consistent.
Would depend on a few things - how far. But in any urban area they shouldn't be travelling more than 45 mins each way.
Also depend on how big crane is needed, but a 20T Franna would likely be sufficient in the OPs situation.
Whether a dogman is required is the main issue, as the operator needs a direct line of sight without one.
Also if their are power lines, a spotted may be required
Even worst case scenario your talking under $2k.
@Thatbargainhunter: You obviously are in the industry and trying to help with the relevant information. Not sure why someone will neg you mate.
Bet your neighbours are going to love that
They wouldn't see it. Front yard is surrounded by hedge/trees.
Seriously tho, i bet you can't. There's likely a reason why you don't see people living in caravans on their family's front lawns
Your local council are the only ones that know what rules apply to your house. Ask them or look the rules up on their webpage.
Where I live, I can put up a garden office (without planning or building permits) so long at it is less than 10m2 plan area, less than 3m high and more than 1m from the boundary. With the correct permits, you can do more, of course.
I can put up a garden office
a shed?
Yep. Or a cubby or whatever you want to call it
whatever you want to call it
a shed.
ghetto-chic!
Yeesh, sounds like a total eye sore.
Technically yes you will need council approval for this, but if it’s something that you’re happy to be told to remove it, and then comply, I’d just ask for forgiveness rather than permission.
If the structure looks temporary, then even better. A caravan, for example, probably wouldn’t pique anyone’s interest. But if it’s something that you lay a slab down for and construct properly on top, that will.
" I’d just ask for forgiveness rather than permission"
This is not how planning works - planning will always fall on the side of legislation and will not just let things fly. This is the fast track to fines and demolition orders.
Councils almost always give you a chance to make it like it was before, before issuing fines.
Agree with demolition orders, hence why I said:
to be told to remove it, and then comply
The key is to make it a “non-permanent structure”… In my local council, that means
- not plumbed into storm water,
- not concreted in,
- under 10m2,
- no taller than 3m
- 1m clearance from the boundaries/existing buildings.
I made a small office in the backyard like this - wooden stumps sitting on top of concrete footings. It’s too heavy to move by itself, but at 2.5m wide, technically could be put on the back of a flat bed truck and moved elsewhere
I hereby authorise you to install a granny flat in any desired position within your front yard.
Expect in the mail, this week, a cheque for $2000 to assist in the installation costs.
Kind regards
[Insert OPs local council / shire name here]
What are the rules around putting a transportable cabin (e.g. shipping container/small tiny home/granny flat) in your front yard
Ask your council.
I don't object*
*(unless it is next door to me).
NIMNDNFY
.
Caravan? No one will bat an eyelid.
Shopping container? Might need to get some approval for that.
you need council approval to pretty much breathe on your own property.
council approval only becomes an issue if a neighbour complains about it
all comes down to whether you can be assed getting the approval or get it after someone whinges.
Many councils will stipulate whats classified as a temporary structure vs permanent (usually this is defined by the presence of slab and services).
I know there's a fair few metropolitan councils that will straight up reject container structures. But again, you'd have to read your council's planning and building laws.
If you have to build it, then you'll require approval, which in some cases is more of a headache where they'll give you the run around and eventually reject it.
Just do it and see how you go….that's easier than asking your council first hey?
Some places, you cannot build forward of the building line, i.e the foremost part of the house, unless you gain approval. Also you are trying to make a 'liveable space', again something that a number of places require planning approval etc.
All the above suggestions on temporary accommodation like a caravan may not work. It will depend on the use you want to put it. If it needs to be connected to power and other utilities, then it may be classed as a dwelling and you may be asked to obtain a occupancy permit from the council or a building surveyor. Council may then see this as a second dwelling on the same block and would ask you to apply for a planning permit. On the other hand you may be able to get away if none of the neighbours complain, council isn't watching from the sky and have temporary service connections for power, etc. Problem with temporary services is no tradie would sign-off on these and insurance will not cover you, and you may be at risk if something were to happen.
I still think if you can go through a proper granny flat builders. They will be across the issues and will be able to assist with more relevant advise and options. I am just a stranger on the internet.
Most planning laws stipulate minimum setback requirements. Usually in VIC this is 7.6 meters , but could be more or less depending on further rules which apply to the area. I am guessing that you would have considered option to put this in backyard, and it was a no go? Probably have a chat with the planning team in your council or speak with few granny flat builders. Builders would generally have some working knowledge then you can go from there.