Caravans, Camping and Temporary Accommodation

Caravan parks & Camping

All camping and caravan use is regulated by the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act 1995 (Act). This legislation ensures that:

• camping occurs in a safe manner
• caravan parks and camping grounds provide a sufficient level of services to their customers
• local governments can enforce health and safety standards.

Caravan parks

Under the Act, all caravan parks must be licensed by their local governments.

The park owner must renew their licence annually and ensure that their park is up to standard and has all the buildings and services required by the Act.

Residents of caravan parks must also comply with certain standards to ensure that the park is safe and enjoyable for everyone.

The complete list of standards is set out in the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Regulations 1997. Additional standards can also be imposed on the park depending on the terms of the park’s licence.

More than one (1) caravan on a property would be considered a caravan park/camping ground, and development and building approvals will be required.

Construction or alteration to your caravan

You must discuss your proposal with the Caravan Park Manager as all applications will require written approval.

• If you are constructing a free-standing patio, ensuite, carport or shed you are required to apply for approval from the Shire of Harvey.  You will need to complete a BA2 Application for Building Permit – Uncertified (available on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulations and Safety website).
• If you are intending to bring a park home and construct a rigid annexe you are required to apply for approval from the Shire of Harvey. You will need to complete one of the following applicable forms.

Effluent disposal

Information to include in your application:

•  Written statement of connection to deep sewage or details and plan showing connection into existing septic tank system and leach drains
• Application to install a new septic tank system. 

Please refer to Installing and Maintaining an Septic Tank for application form and more information.

Camping on private land

The WA caravan parks and camping grounds legislation specifies the length of time a person can camp on land which they own or are legally permitted to camp on.

The legislation states a person may camp for no longer than 5 consecutive days in any 28-day period.

The rationale behind this is to effectively manage public health concerns such as potable water supply and liquid and solid waste disposal as well as the need to provide a minimum habitable standard.

Temporary accommodation on private land

If you are considering living onsite whilst building a dwelling, you must apply in writing for approval to live in temporary accommodation.

Temporary accommodation (e.g., caravan or similar structure) is permitted on private land when:

• The property is over 1 hectare in size.
• A permanent dwelling is actively being constructed on the same lot.
• The occupant is the landowner 
• A building licence has been issued for the permanent dwelling.
• The effluent disposal system and ablution facilities are approved and installed.

Conditions for Approval of Temporary Accommodation (Caravan) When a Dwelling Exists On-Site

Temporary living in a caravan may be considered under the following circumstances and conditions:

• Temporary housing following a natural disaster
• While building or renovating a permanent home
• For seasonal worker housing
• To support someone ageing-in-place 
• The caravan must have access to waste disposal and ablution facilities (e.g., bathroom, kitchen, laundry).
• Standards must be met to prevent nuisances or health risks.

Please submit your application to the Manager Environmental Health Services, Shire of Harvey.

More information and contacts

For more information please contact us.

Related pages

• Building legislation and policies
• Building FAQs
• Building schedule of fees and charges