Totalspan's Guide to Council Approvals: Shed Edition

If you're thinking of getting a shed for your backyard, you might be wondering if you need council approval for it. Well, the answer is... it depends.

Different councils in Australia have different rules and regulations for building sheds. Some factors that might affect your approval are:

• The size and height of your shed.
• The distance from your boundary fence.
• The type of shed or what you plan to use the shed for.
• The land zoning and access restrictions.
• The impact on your neighbours.

1. Get a preliminary design of your shed (you can use our obligation free quote).
2. Contact your local council and ask them about their requirements and process for sheds (or contact your local Totalspan team who can assist).
3. Make any changes to your design based on their feedback.
4. Submit your application and wait for approval (this might take some time and fees).
5. Once approved, you can start building your shed.

Sounds easy, right? Well, not always.

Some councils might have more strict or complex rules than others. For example, some councils might require you to match your shed colour with your fence, be a certain distance from your fence line or have different requirements for different types of sheds.

That's why it's important to do your research before buying a shed. You don't want to end up with a shed that doesn't meet the council's standards, or worse, have to take it down.

To help you out, we've complied a list of resources for each state. Or even better, call your local Totalspan team as they are the experts on your local process.

Australian States Council Approval Process

Disclaimer: Please be aware that local council regulations are subject to change without notice. For the most current and accurate information, we strongly recommend reaching out to your local council or your local Totalspan team. The information provided here serves as a general guideline and may not reflect the latest regulations.

New South Wales Council Approval Guide:

In NSW, you may not need council approval for your shed if it meets the exempt development criteria. These include the size, height, location and use of the shed. You can check the criteria on the NSW Planning Portal website. If your shed does not meet the criteria, you will need to apply for a development application or a complying development certificate from your local council or an accredited certifier.

Victoria Council Approval Guide:

In Victoria, you may need a building permit for your shed if it is larger than 10 square metres, higher than 3 metres, or attached to another building. You can check the requirements on the Victorian Building Authority website. If you need a building permit, you will need to engage a registered building practitioner to prepare the plans and specifications and apply for the permit from your local council or a private building surveyor.

Queensland Council Approval Guide:

In Queensland, you may need a building approval for your shed if it is larger than 10 square metres, higher than 2.4 metres, or within 1.5 metres of a boundary. You can check the requirements on your local council’s page - Brisbane local council website. If you need a building approval, you will need to engage a licensed building certifier to assess your plans and issue the approval. You may also need a planning approval from your local council depending on the zoning and overlays of your property.

Western Australia Council Approval Guide:

In Western Australia, you may need a building permit for your shed if it is larger than 10 square metres, higher than 2.4 metres, or within 1 metre of a boundary. You can check the requirements on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website.  If you need a building permit, you will need to submit an application to your local council with the relevant plans and documents. You may also need a planning approval from your local council depending on the location and design of your shed.

South Australia Council Approval Guide:

In South Australia, you may need a development approval for your shed if it is larger than 15 square metres, higher than 2.5 metres, or within 900 millimetres of a boundary. You can check the requirements on the SA Planning Portal website. If you need a development approval, you will need to lodge an application with your local council or an accredited professional with the relevant plans and documents. You may also need to comply with other regulations such as heritage, bushfire and environmental protection.

Tasmania Council Approval Guide:

In Tasmania, you may need a building permit for your shed if it is larger than 18 square metres, higher than 2.4 metres, or within 1 metre of a boundary. You can check the requirements on the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services website. If you need a building permit, you will need to engage a licensed builder or owner-builder to prepare the plans and specifications and apply for the permit from your local council or a private building surveyor. You may also need a planning permit from your local council depending on the zoning and overlays of your property. 

Northern Territory Council Approval Guide:

In Northern Territory, you may need a building permit for your shed if it is larger than 12 square metres, higher than 2.7 metres, or within 1 metre of a boundary. You can check the requirements on the NT Government website. If you need a building permit, you will need to engage a registered building practitioner to prepare the plans and specifications and apply for the permit from your local council or an approved certifier. You may also need a planning consent from your local council depending on the location and design of your shed.

Australian Capital Territory Council Approval Guide:

In ACT, you may not need development approval for your shed if it meets the exempt development criteria. These include the size, height, location and use of the shed. You can check the criteria on the ACT Planning website. If your shed does not meet the criteria, you will need to apply for a development application from your local council with the relevant plans and documents. You may also need to comply with other regulations such as heritage, bushfire and environmental protection.

As you can see navigating each state's council’s regulations (which can also change depending on your local councils regulations) can be a bit of a minefield.

If you have any questions or need specific advice, feel free to contact us anytime. We're here to help you and make your shed buying process as easy as possible. Fill in an online contact us form or call the team today on 1300 15 15 25. Who can? Totalspan!