Caravan park permits
Apply for a permit to operate a caravan park or relocatable home park. Renew, surrender or change an existing permit.
Regulations for caravan parks and relocatable home parks
Council regulates caravan parks and relocatable home parks under the Caravan Parks and Relocatable Home Parks Local Law 2000. This ensures the parks are:
- well-maintained
- kept clean and hygienic
- equipped with suitable facilities for guests.
When you need a permit
You need a permit to use an area of land for accommodation of any of the following:
- cabins
- caravans
- relocatable homes
- tents or other structures that can be readily assembled or disassembled.
Who can apply
The owner of a caravan park or relocatable home park can apply for a permit.
An owner is any of the following:
- the person registered with Council as the owner of the park
- the person who owns the land on which the park is located
- the person who operates the park.
Permit fees
Fees apply to:
- request a new permit
- amend a current permit
- renew a current permit
- transfer a current permit.
You must pay the permit fee when you lodge your application.
| Application type | Each issue of certificate | Each design requirement assessment fee | Fee for each site |
|---|---|---|---|
| New application with plans | $77.85 | $548.30 | $5.70 |
| Transfer | $77.85 | NA | $5.70 |
| Significant amendments | $77.85 | $548.30 | $5.70 |
| Renewal | $77.85 | NA | $5.70 |
Fee reductions
Charitable organisations are eligible for a fee reduction. To check if you qualify for a reduction, see the Schedule of Fees and Charges.
Required plans
When applying for a new permit, you need to provide:
- a site plan, drawn to scale
- certification copies for all buildings and structures that need building, planning or plumbing approval, obtained from Council or a private certifier
- proof of charity status (if requesting a reduced fee)
- sustainability statements (optional).
Check if you need planning approval
You may need planning approval to use or develop land to operate a caravan park or relocatable home park. This includes to change the use of the site, or construct or alter buildings.
For advice and assistance on development projects and planning approval, contact Council.
Apply for a permit
To apply for a permit, download and complete the permit application form.
You can also use this form to amend or transfer an existing permit.
Lodge the form with a hard copy version of your plans:
- in person at a Council Customer Centre and pay the fee with Visa or Mastercard
- by mail with a cheque for the fee to:
Brisbane City Council
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001
You will receive a response to your application within 20 working days.
You must apply to take over an existing permit if you’ve purchased a caravan park or relocatable home park.
You can’t make changes to the business until the transfer is finalised.
To transfer a permit:
- Download and complete the permit application form.
- Obtain and provide the current operator’s signature.
- Pay the transfer fee.
You can amend an existing permit if you’re making significant changes to your business. Significant changes include:
- altering the approved area
- increasing or decreasing the number of sites
- changing the facilities.
To make an amendment:
- Download and complete the permit application form.
- Clearly indicate the significant amendments you’re making.
- Provide supporting documents including development or building approvals and plans detailing the proposed changes.
- Pay the amendment fee.
You will receive a permit renewal notice every 12 months.
You must renew your permit and pay the fee at least 5 days before the permit expires. Your notice will guide you through the renewal process.
You may receive a fine if you continue to operate a caravan park or relocatable home park with an expired permit.
If you have a permit you no longer need, you can surrender it to Council. Complete the online form to surrender your permit.
Check for other requirements
Understand what other approvals or advice you may need, or request an inspection.
You may need other approvals to develop the site and operate a caravan/relocatable home park. Approvals include:
You can request a Council inspection to confirm an existing business’ permit compliance.
Request an inspection report if you:
- plan to purchase an existing caravan/relocatable home park
- need to demonstrate compliance for an insurance or bank application.
You can pay the inspection report fee of $599.45 using Visa or Mastercard.
For more information, phone Council's Business Hotline on 133 BNE (133 263).
Helpful links
Frequently asked questions
You can operate a caravan park or relocatable home park once your permit is approved.
Make sure you have all other necessary approvals if you’re developing the site, such as planning, building and plumbing approvals.
You need a Council permit to operate a caravan park or relocatable home park. If you’re developing the site, you may also need planning approval.
Depending on the scope of your building works, you may also need building and plumbing approval.
To check if you need a planning approval from Council, talk to a Planning Information Officer.