Source : Perth Now news
Change is needed at all levels of government to solidify tiny homes on wheels as their own distinct housing type to avoid a litany of bureaucratic hurdles, a contingent of Tasmanian politicians say.
A deputy mayor, state MP and two elected representatives in Canberra will come together on Saturday calling for tiny homes to be categorised as their own distinct housing type.
Currently across Tasmania the tiny homes atop trailers are categorised as caravans, and do not meet house building standards when someone tries to park up and live permanently in the home.
“The National Construction Code needs to be updated to recognise tiny homes,” independent federal MP Andrew Wilkie said.
“Most tiny homes on wheels currently struggle to comply with the National Construction Code because they’re built as lightweight trailer structures rather than fixed buildings. As a result, many owners feel they have little choice but to fly under the council’s radar.”
The tiny homes are currently running afoul of national housing insulation and accessibility codes, as well as state and council wastewater rules, among others.
Typically ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 to build, with no stamp duty charge in Tasmania, advocates say the tiny homes could be one part of the solution to a dire housing shortage, except for the red tape rigmarole.
Tiny home advocate Clare Glade-Wright, who is also deputy mayor of Kingborough which stretches across Hobart’s south, says changes at all three levels of government are needed.
“I’m committed to bringing together all levels of government to drive these reforms. With the right policy settings, tiny homes could become an excellent and affordable housing option for many Tasmanians while easing pressure in the broader housing market.”
“It is unacceptable that in a housing crisis, there are tiny homes that people have built but are locked up in storage because there is no pathway for approval.”
Independent state MP Peter George has also joined the chorus lobbying all levels of government.
“Federal and state governments should be working together urgently on a suite of measures that will unlock solutions to our housing crisis,” he said.
“Tiny home living suits a growing number of people for a whole range of reasons and making that an easier choice simply makes good sense.”
Independent Tasmanian Senator Tammy Tyrrell said the housing crisis had worsened because of the expense and complications of putting a roof over someone’s head.
“Tiny homes and prefabricated units aren’t just a ‘lifestyle choice’, for many Tasmanians they are the fastest, most sustainable way to own a home without being shackled with a debt they can never repay,” Ms Tyrrell said.
“If we keep using ‘gold-plated’ planning regulations designed for a standard three-bedroom house to block someone from putting a tiny home on a block of land, we are failing.”
