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Guidelines for on-site habitation

To live in a caravan on site at the property where you intend to build, you need to obtain a permit.

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On-site habitation permit

To live in a caravan on site at the property where you intend to build, you need to obtain a permit. Permits are valid for 6 months.

To be granted a permit to live on site you need to provide the following:

  • A current building permit for the proposed dwelling
  • A current septic tank system permit to install (only in unsewered areas). Where reticulated sewerage is available, all waste water must be properly connected to the sewer.
  • Proper sanitation facilities – minimum of a toilet, a laundry trough, a kitchen sink, a shower or bath and a hand wash basin
  • Water tight flooring
  • To dispose of all domestic rubbish adequately, maintain the property and not cause a nuisance to surrounding neighbours.

Apply for a permit to live on site

Your application to live in a caravan on site while you build a permanent dwelling must include:

  • A scaled diagram of your proposed temporary living arrangements, including a site plan of the property
  • A plan detailing fixtures and amenities to be provided
  • Copies of the relevant building/septic permits granted
  • Any other information that will be relevant to explain how your proposal will meet the City Of Greater Bendigo’s guidelines.

A fee must be paid upon submission of your application.

If we are satisfied with your initial proposal, consent will be given to commence works for temporary on-site habitation. When you complete the works, you must then contact the Local Laws Officer to arrange a site inspection of the temporary living conditions. If satisfactory, a temporary occupancy permit may then be granted.

Renewing a permit

Your temporary on-site habitation permit is valid for 6 months.  Renewing your permit will incur an additional fee. If we are not satisfied that sufficient progress is being made on the permanent dwelling, then the permit will not be renewed and occupants must vacate the property.

Please note: You are not permitted to live in a shed, although its use for auxiliary purposes may be suitable (e.g. use for provision of shelter for a caravan).

Contact

Our Environmental Health staff are often out of the office, working within the community. If you would like a face-to-face meeting to discuss any Environmental Health matters, we invite you to contact us in advance to arrange a suitable time.

[email protected]

1300 002 642