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Ticking boxes isn’t fun.
Luckily, we’ve done it for you.
Urban Caves cabins are designed to comply with NSW Exempt Development rules, so you can usually install one without council approval — as long as you stick to a few key requirements.
To avoid needing council approval (DA), your cabin must:
You’ll need a Development Application (DA) if you plan to:
Urban Caves does not support DA projects. These cabins are supplied strictly as Class 10 non-habitable structures.
Here’s what we can and can’t do:
✔️ We do:
❌ We don’t:
Our goal? Make the rules easy — so you can focus on enjoying your new space without the stress of permits or paperwork.
Urban Caves are supplied as non-habitable structures under the NSW Exempt Development Code. This means they are not approved for use as bedrooms or permanent accommodation. If you plan to sleep in your cabin, this may trigger the need for a Development Application (DA).
We do not assist with council approval processes. Our recommended installers will only install cabins as exempt development structures.
Yes — many of our customers use their Urban Cave as a home office, creative studio, or therapeutic space. These are considered non-habitable uses and are generally fine under the exempt development guidelines, provided there’s no sleeping, cooking, or connection to sewer.
No plumbing work may occur before or during cabin installation.
However, we can frame an internal partition wall (e.g. for a future bathroom).
We do not install any internal wall linings where plumbing might go — that’s up to your chosen trades after the cabin is complete. If you’re considering adding plumbing, you’ll need to seek your own advice from a qualified professional or your local council. Urban Caves and our installers do not provide support for plumbing or DA-related works.
Electrical rough-in is only available when we’re installing insulation and lining.
If you're getting a fully lined cabin, your licensed electrician can rough in wiring during the install and return later to fit it off.
For Shell cabins, no rough-in occurs during install — you’ll handle that after we’re done.
Cooking facilities (fixed cooktops, ovens, full kitchens) are generally considered habitable use, which is not permitted under exempt development.
Many people opt for a simple bar fridge or kettle instead — but if you’re planning anything more, you must obtain council approval.
A shed or cabin under exempt development is non-habitable — meaning no sleeping, cooking, or plumbing. A dwelling includes those elements and must go through a council approval process.
Even if a shed is insulated and has windows, it’s the intended use and services (e.g. plumbing) that determine its legal classification.
No. Urban Caves are not approved as dwellings and cannot be legally rented out or used for accommodation under exempt development rules.
If you intend to rent it out, you must obtain a Development Application through your local council. We do not support this process.
No. Urban Caves and our recommended installers only supply and install cabins as exempt development structures.
We do not offer council liaison, advice, or participation in any application processes related to dwellings, plumbing, or sewer connections.
We can still supply a cabin as a kitset for use in an approved project — but all other works and approvals are your responsibility.
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