Tiny House Local Laws Grey water and commercial use

Uptake, Obstacles and the Future

by with No Comment Candid Tiny House PodcastThe Advocacy Season
Tiny House Local Laws Grey water and commercial use

What are the Obstacles to Uptake in Mount Alexander Shire, and what does the Future hold?

In this episode of the Candid Tiny House Podcast, host Shannon Schultz sits down with Kaz Neilson, the Coordinator of My Home Network, to discuss the common sticking points in current tiny house laws.

They delve into two critical issues:

  • disposing of wastewater and
  • the limitations on the commercial use of tiny houses on private property.

The episode also features voices from property owners eager to host tiny houses on their land. And we hear from individuals whose lives have been transformed by changes in tiny house laws, helping them escape homelessness.

Tune in o your favourite podcasting app for an insightful conversation about the challenges and future possibilities for tiny house living.

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Takeaways from this Episode:

Let’s do a quick recap of all the pithy topics we’ve covered this episode, and look to the future with determination in our hearts to improve existing laws and help other local governments change tiny house laws for the better.

  1. Wastewater Solutions: Nationally approved wastewater treatment systems could effectively process wastewater on-site if the Environmental Protection Act and the state planning scheme permitted their use.
  2. Monetary Exchange: Allowing the payment of money as a fair exchange for land and tiny house use is a well-known and convenient practice. Current restrictions on commercial use of tiny houses are stifling land share arrangements. People are eager to comply with local laws and share their land, but limitations on commercial use hold them back. It would be terrific if monetary exchange was not considered a ‘change of use’ for the tiny house and did not trigger the planning scheme.
  3. State-Level Solutions: These issues can be addressed at the Victorian state level. The Municipal Association of Victoria can support local governments by sharing solutions and collectively pressuring the state government to remove obstacles for people living in their self-funded tiny houses on private land.
  4. Contracts: Creating contracts is essential. They provide a clear outline of living arrangements and help navigate tricky situations. When done openly and with careful planning, contracts increase everyone’s sense of safety in the relationship and living arrangement.
Shannon Schultz Fred Tiny Houses

Candid Tiny House Host

Shannon Schultz

Host of Candid Tiny House and Co-Director of Fred’s Tiny Houses. More in Bio.

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How To Change Tiny House Laws Candid Tiny House Podcast

How To Change Tiny House Laws in Your Area

by with No Comment Candid Tiny House PodcastThe Advocacy Season
How To Change Tiny House Laws Candid Tiny House Podcast

DIY Change in YOUR Area

In this episode How To Change Tiny House Laws in Your Area, we dive into the successful campaign that led to groundbreaking changes in tiny house legislation. You’ll hear from key advocates and councillors who share their insights and strategies.

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In This Episode:

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about tiny house living and eager to make a difference in their community.

Why Listen?

  • Get Inspired: Learn how a dedicated community overcame obstacles to create change.
  • Expert Advice: Councillor Rosie Annear shares valuable advice on starting the process with your local council. She emphasizes the importance of understanding current laws, engaging respectfully with council members, and maintaining positive dialogue.
  • Practical Tips: Councillor Matthew Driscoll encourages listeners to present their ideas to the council. He shares his vision for tiny house law changes and offers practical advice for current councillors on how to support these initiatives.
  • Community and Strategy: Kaz Neilson from My Home Network provides insights into the meetings with council representatives, highlighting the crucial role of community support and the impact of respectful interaction and facilitation in community consultations.
  • Success Elements: Kathryn McGoldrick discusses the key elements that contributed to the campaign’s success, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, clear communication, and translating complex legal jargon for the community.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand Local Laws:
    • Begin by thoroughly understanding the existing ‘camping on private property’ local laws and your desired changes.
  • Effective Communication:
    • Engage respectfully with council members and present well-thought-out solutions.
  • Build Relationships:
    • Foster strong relationships with council staff and councillors and garner community support.
  • Community Involvement:
    • Form action groups with diverse members and gather data and stories to present compelling cases.
  • Clear and Accessible Communication:
    • Have someone skilled in interpreting complex documents and presenting them in plain language.
  • Strategic Campaigning:
    • Maintain a positive and collaborative approach to support public servants and drive change.
Shannon Schultz Fred Tiny Houses

Candid Tiny House Host

Shannon Schultz

Host of Candid Tiny House and Co-Director of Fred’s Tiny Houses. More in Bio.

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Inside Local Government: How Mount Alexander Shire Legalised Tiny Houses

by with No Comment Candid Tiny House PodcastThe Advocacy Season

Insights from Inside Local Council

Join us as Councillor Annear shares how the council navigated the complexities of the planning scheme, engaged with the community, and ultimately succeeded in passing a new local law that allows for permanent tiny house occupation on private land. This episode sheds light on the hard work and co-operation required to bring about significant policy changes and offers a deeper understanding of local government operations.

Available wherever you get your podcasts.

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In This Episode:

In this episode of Candid Tiny House, we delve into the intricate process of law change at the local government level. We have the privilege of hearing from Councillor Rosie Annear, the Mayor at the time of the law change, who provides a detailed account of the process undertaken by the council to overcome the hurdles that stood in the way of progressive change.

Plus, stay tuned till the end for a special announcement from me!

Episode Highlights:

  • Community Engagement: Discover how the council received unprecedented positive feedback from the community.
  • Local Law Amendments: Understand the specific changes made to the local law, including the conditions for tiny houses on wheels and the focus on avoiding the planning scheme.
  • Balancing Safety and Freedom: Rosie discusses the council’s approach to balancing the need for community safety with the freedom to live in tiny houses without heavy regulation.
  • Future Prospects: Insights into ongoing reviews of the Victorian planning scheme and potential future changes that could further support housing affordability and accessibility.

Additional Insights:

Host Shannon Schultz also discusses the broader implications of these local changes, including recent state-level announcements allowing secondary dwellings on private property without a planning permit under certain conditions. These developments represent significant steps towards increasing housing options and affordability in Victoria.

Tiny House & Land Offerings In Mount Alexander Shire: Database

Like a local noticeboard, make a listing of your tiny house or land offering to find your perfect match!

See Database
Shannon Schultz Fred Tiny Houses

Candid Tiny House Host

Shannon Schultz

Host of Candid Tiny House and Co-Director of Fred’s Tiny Houses. More in Bio.

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Candid Tiny House Insi

New Campaign, New Strategies

by with No Comment Candid Tiny House PodcastThe Advocacy Season
Candid Tiny House Insi

Changing Tiny House Laws - A Community Effort

Welcome back to Candid Tiny House, The Advocacy Season! In our last episode, we delved into our first attempt at changing local laws, setting the stage for our second, more promising endeavor. Join us as we explore the journey led by Kaz Neilson and Kathryn McGoldrick, pivotal figures in our quest for equitable housing policies. As well as Councillor Matthew Driscoll, who was willing to push the law change forward even though it had already been reviewed so recently.

Available wherever you get your podcasts.

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Listen:

In This Episode:

Meet Kaz Neilson: The Force Behind My Home Network

Kaz Neilson, the coordinator for My Home Network (MHN), embodies resilience and dedication. Kaz spearheaded the efforts to reshape tiny house legislation by co-ordniating 190 individuals in the MHN database. From grassroots initiatives to addressing systemic barriers, MHN emerged as a beacon of hope for those grappling with housing insecurity. Kaz’s strategic prowess and collaborative spirit laid the groundwork for meaningful change.

Kathryn McGoldrick: A Voice for Tiny House Dwellers

Kathryn McGoldrick’s journey from homelessness to activism, and eventually, being permanently housed, demonstrates the power of advocacy. Taking up the role of a spokesperson for tiny house dwellers, Kathryn brought a human face to the housing crisis. Her unwavering commitment to finding viable solutions resonated deeply with policymakers and community members alike. Through collaboration and shared experiences, Kathryn’s story drew attention to the urgent need for action, and helped the law change gain a great deal of community support.

From Strategy to Action: Campaign Insights

Drawing from Kaz and Kathryn’s experiences, we glean valuable insights for effecting change in our communities:

  1. Harness Community Networks: Leverage existing groups with shared priorities to amplify your message and pool diverse talents.
  2. Data as a Catalyst: Equip policymakers with localized data on homelessness and housing insecurity to underscore the urgency of the issue.
  3. Engage Holistically: Foster dialogue across departments within local government, ensuring a comprehensive approach to housing policy reform.
  4. Embody the Cause: Find advocates willing to represent the realities of tiny house living, lending authenticity and depth to the campaign.
  5. Use Case Studies Showcase examples of successful policy changes, like from Mount Alexander Shire and other jurisdictions to inspire action and instill confidence in policy makers.
  6. Nurture Relationships: Cultivate rapport with council members through targeted meetings and ongoing communication, facilitating mutual understanding and collaboration.
  7. Propose Innovative Solutions: Advocate for dedicated positions within local government, such as a Housing Solutions Broker, to drive proactive, community-centered initiatives.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we navigate the complexities of housing policy reform, let us draw inspiration from Kaz, Kathryn, and the My Home Network. Together, we can transform advocacy into tangible change, building a future where tiny houses are a viable long term option for living on private property.

Join us next time as we gain insights from inside the council process of changing the local laws. Until then, stay candid!

Stay tuned for the next episode of Candid Tiny House. Your journey towards sustainable living begins here.

Shannon Schultz Fred Tiny Houses

Candid Tiny House Host:

Shannon Schultz

Host of Candid Tiny House and Co-Director of Fred’s Tiny Houses. More in Bio.

Tiny House Law Change Mount Alexander Shire

First Attempt at Changing Local Tiny House Laws

by with No Comment Candid Tiny House PodcastDIY Building SeasonThe Advocacy Season
Tiny House Law Change Mount Alexander Shire

Welcome to The Advocacy Season of Candid Tiny House!​

Join us as we delve into the early days of the tiny house movement in Mount Alexander Shire with our special guest, Fred Schultz, the passionate advocate behind Fred’s Tiny Houses.

In this episode, we explore the initial campaign to change local tiny house laws in 2020 and Fred’s personal experiences living under the previous regulations.

Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Apple Podcasts
Spotify

Listen:​

In This Episode:​

Interview with Fred Schultz:

  • Fred shares insights from his 2020 campaign to alter tiny house laws in Mount Alexander Shire.
  • He discusses the challenges faced and the lessons learned during this pivotal period.

Living the Tiny House Life:

  • Fred and our host, Shannon Schultz, reflect on their six-month experience living in a tiny house on wheels.
  • Hosted by then-Mayor, Councillor Christine Henderson, they recount the joys and obstacles of tiny house living under the old regulations.

Christine Henderson’s Journey:

  • Hear from Councillor Christine Henderson about her efforts to lead the change from within the council.
  • Christine provides a candid look at the hurdles and partial victories encountered along the way.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understand the initial barriers to tiny house living and the community’s response.
  • Learn about the strategic steps taken during the first campaign and what didn’t go as planned.
  • Gain insights into the early advocacy efforts that laid the groundwork for future successes.

Why Listen?

This episode sets the stage for understanding the broader journey of tiny house advocacy in Mount Alexander Shire. It’s a story of persistence, community effort, and the crucial first steps toward legislative change.

Tune in to hear the full story of the first attempt to change local tiny house laws and get inspired by the dedication and resilience of those who paved the way for future progress.

Shannon Schultz Fred Tiny Houses

Candid Tiny House Host:

Shannon Schultz

Host of Candid Tiny House and Co-Director of Fred’s Tiny Houses. More in Bio.

Original Campaign Page for 2020:

See our original campaign page! Scroll down to see our submissions to council, videos and an update at the top about the local law success story! 🙂