If you are wanting to build or install a structure in a Tweed caravan park, it’s important to be aware of any approvals or certifications you may need.
The rules regarding what you can build in caravan parks in NSW are very different to those of residential spaces.
Structures in caravan parks include such things as:
- carports
- rigid annexes
- garden sheds
- pergolas
- ·verandahs
- tropical rooves
The law governing caravan parks in NSW is the Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2021 (the ‘Regulation’).
Approvals and certifications
Any structure in a caravan park must be built and certified according to Australian standards - there is also a process Council will need you to follow. This process will depend on whether you are building the structure in a flood liable caravan park, or a non flood liable caravan park.
To found out what type of caravan park you live in, please ask your park operator.
Non flood liable caravan parks
If you live in a non flood liable park you can install or build a structure without Council approval beforehand, but you will need approval from the park operator and an engineer’s certification to confirm it has been designed in accordance with applicable laws. The structure must comply with site coverage and set back requirements.
The structure must also be able to withstand wind speed of at least 41 metres per second.
Once the structure has been built or installed, you must then submit a notice/certificate of completion with the above certification attached.
Flood liable caravan parks
If you live in a flood liable caravan park, you will need Council approval before you start any works.
An application can be made by completing the Application for Structures - Caravan Parks and Manufactured Home Estates’ form.
Your form must be accompanied by:
- The owner of the caravan park’s consent on the form.
- A fully dimensioned site plan showing the location of all structures on the site including distance to structures on adjoining sites, site boundaries and roads, site number, site area and percentage of site coverage (all roofed areas). Please note, applications are to demonstrate a maximum of 65% site coverage.
- The design of the associated structure must be certified by a practising structural engineer as structurally sound, and include specifications for the way in which it must be transported and installed, and the footings on which it must be installed. The engineer’s certification must confirm it has been designed in accordance with the Australian Standards nominated in the Regulation, and clearly state the design meets the design gust wind speed of at least 41 metres per second.
- If your structure includes plumbing and drainage works you must also complete an Application for Approval of Plumbing and Drainage Work on Private Land or Crown Land form.
To ensure we can process your application as quickly as possible we ask that you make sure you have attached all the required information correctly.
If you have any questions about structures in caravan parks, you are welcome to contact council to speak to an environmental health duty officer between hours of 8.30 am - 12 pm Monday - Friday.
While it isn’t Council’s preferred approach, penalties may apply where structures have been installed without an approval or not in accordance with local laws.