Apply for a permit to live in a caravan

If you want to live in a caravan on private property you may need a permit from Nillumbik Shire Council.

You will need a permit to occupy a caravan, camper trailer or any other movable dwelling on private land for more than 30 consecutive days.

If you don't have a permit, you may get a fine.

Situations where you don’t need a permit

You don't need a permit if you are:

• in a registered camping area or caravan park
• selling, hiring or leasing a caravan, as long as it is removed when sold, hired or leased
• in an area where caravans are already permitted under the Nillumbik Planning Scheme.

You also don’t need a separate permit to live in a caravan if it is already included in a planning permit.

Permit conditions

If an annual permit is granted, you must make sure to observe all conditions as set out in the Nillumbik General Local Law 1, including:

• the occupation of the caravan, camper trailer, moving dwelling, vehicle or other temporary structure is greater than 30 consecutive days
• toilet, sanitary and other facilities are required (all waste to be disposed of to an approved sewer or septic tank system).

Fees

The application fee for a permit to occupy a caravan is $115. This amount is correct as of 1 July 2025.

How to apply