The Overstrand Municipal Council approved the policy for Tiny Houses as an additional option to assist the housing needs of a growing community.

Mayco Member of Investment and Infrastructure, Councillor Clinton Lerm, said Overstrand is one of the first municipalities in South Africa to re-think how housing challenges can be addressed. By adopting this policy, we lead the way forward as solution to the housing challenges.

A tiny house complies with the definition of a residential dwelling house but on a smaller than usual scale – a footprint of less than 27m² to be precise.

Based on their intended use, tiny houses can be grouped into three categories:

• Permanent – attached to approved foundation, prioritising occupant safety and energy efficiency,
• Temporary – built on chassis or frame and may have wheels, prioritising mobility, or
• Transitional – living facilities for persons who lack shelter, prioritises flexibility to meet local needs.

The zoning codes determine where owners can site their tiny houses.  For example, in a Single Residential Zone 1, permanent tiny houses must be attached to approved foundations and direct neighbours’ consent is required.

Permanent tiny houses must meet the requirements of the National Building Regulations (NBR), except for the dimensions.

The policy can be downloaded from the municipal website www.overstrand.gov.za. (Click on Documents and then navigate to Policies).