Every now and then I get questions from people who are interested in living in a Tiny House. For example: ‘what about your registration at the municipalities?’ Or: ‘where in the Netherlands can you put your Tiny House? Can you park it on private property and live in it? With a farmer? Is that allowed?’ I don’t have all the answers. Unfortunately there isn’t a website that explains all this satisfactorily. Not least because legislation differs per municipality. And if truth be told it is almost impossible wrestling with the jungle of legislation. There is legislation for trailers, recreational dwellings and care units. And if you want to know for sure whether you can legally live in your Tiny House, you better go to the council of your choice.
But maybe I can help you a little with the information below and point you to this website:
Camping at a farm or on your own property
Let’s say you found a spot with a farmer or in someone’s garden, or you have rented or bought a piece of property yourself. Are you allowed to (temporarily) live there? In the APV of the city council you can read what the rules are concerning “camping outside of camping areas”. This mentions for example:
It is not allowed to place or keep placed camping materials for recreational overnight stay outside an as such designated camping area as listed in the allocation plan.
Exempt from this restriction is the placing of camping materials for personal use by the owner and/or proprietor of the location.
OR
Exempt from this restriction is the placing of camping materials for personal use by the owner and/or proprietor of the location for short periods of time.
So it differs per municipality whether or not you are allowed to camp on (your own) private property. (Even though we are talking about residential dwelling, chances are the council will view your Tiny House as a recreational dwelling.) Of course you could take a chance and “just do it”, and as long as the neighbours don’t complain you should be fine, but it is a risk. The other option is to go and talk to the council and see if they are willing to grant you a release.
Living in a camping area
In many municipalities the policy concerning living permanently in a recreational dwelling has been restricted over the last couple of years, and is now either completely prohibited or it has become very difficult to get a release. The Belangenvereniging Vrij Wonen has a “legalization list” on which you can see in which municipalities and camping areas or “parks” it is allowed.
Living in an alternative residential community
Everywhere in the Netherlands initiatives are shooting up from the ground focusing on sustainable and communal living. Eco-villages for example, Kompost Zutphen, etc. On the website of Omslag you can find a lot of information. If you can find a spot within such an initiative that would make matters a lot easier. Usually in such cases there are already arrangements in place or at least solid contacts with the council and the possibilities are slightly better. And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. You’re stronger together and that increases the chance of success considerably.
I hope this information helps you guys!
http://www.ecodorpboekel.nl/
Leave a Reply