Do you need council approval for a shed? A state-by-state breakdown

Building a shed on your property might seem straightforward, but regulations vary significantly across Australia. Whether you need council approval depends on shed design, size, location, zoning, local fire safety regulations, and proximity to property boundaries. Ignoring these rules can lead to fines, demolition orders, or legal disputes with neighbours. 

Here’s what you need to know about getting approval to build from state to state or territory, as different rules apply!

What happens if you build a shed without council approval?

If you build a shed (or even a garden shed) without council approval when required, you may face serious consequences. Local councils can issue orders to remove or modify the structure, and fines may apply. In some cases, retrospective approval is possible, but this process can be costly and time-consuming. 

To avoid these complications, it's crucial to understand the rules in your area before you start building your new shed.

New South Wales

New South Wales has a range of regulations depending on the size and location of your shed. Some smaller sheds (like a garden shed) may be exempt from council approval, but larger structures must meet specific criteria to be legally compliant.

Do you need council approval for a shed in NSW?

The rules vary depending on your shed's size and location. Under NSW legislation, small sheds may qualify as exempt developments, meaning they do not require council approval if they meet specific criteria:

• Maximum floor area of 20 square metres
• Maximum height of 3 metres (or 2.4 metres within setback requirements)
• Located behind the front setback line
• Must be a detached structure to the adjacent properties
• Must be a non-habitable building.
  

If your shed exceeds these limits, you must apply for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or Development Approval (DA) through your local council. Factors like bushfire-prone land, flood zones, and heritage restrictions may also impact approvals.

Building a shed on a boundary in NSW 

Under the Building Code of Australia, a shed built near a property boundary must use non-combustible/non-fire prone materials within 900mm of the boundary. Additionally, some councils enforce stricter setback requirements.

Victoria

Victoria has clear guidelines for shed building, with size restrictions dictating whether you need council approval.

What size shed can you build without a permit in Victoria? 

In Victoria, building permits are required for sheds that:

• Exceed 10 square metres in area
  
• Exceed 3 metres in height
  
• Are built within 1 metre of a boundary.

For sheds that meet exempt development criteria, no council approvals are necessary. However, it’s always recommended to contact your local council to verify specific requirements.

Queensland

Queensland has a mix of general exemptions and stricter regulations depending on the shed's location and intended use.Do you need council approval for a shed in QLD? 

Queensland regulations depend on shed size, location, and zoning:

• Sheds under 10m² are usually exempt developments.
  
• Larger sheds may require a private building certifier to approve compliance with the Building Act.
  
• In rural zones, approvals may be relaxed, especially for farm sheds.

You may require additional building approvals if you plan to build a shed on a registered easement, near other buildings, or within fire-prone areas.

South Australia

South Australian regulations largely depend on the shed’s size, location, and zoning.

• Under 15m²: No approval is required if the shed meets building code standards.
  
• Over 15m²: A development application is required.

Additional approvals may be necessary in fire-prone areas or residential zones with strict building line regulations.

Western Australia

Western Australia has different requirements depending on whether the shed is built in a residential or rural area.

• Sheds smaller than 10m² generally do not require a building permit.
  
• Larger sheds require approval from a private certifier or local council.
  
• Specific setback requirements apply in residential areas.

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory’s shed regulations vary based on cyclone risks and rural considerations: 

• Exempt developments include sheds under 12m².
  
  
• Larger sheds require approval from the local council's planning department.
  
  
• Rural zones may allow larger sheds with fewer restrictions, but fire-prone areas may still require additional approvals.

Local regulations vary, so contact your local council before starting construction.

 

Tasmania

Tasmania has specific regulations based on shed size and zoning restrictions.

• Sheds under 18m² generally do not require a building permit in residential zones.
  
• Sheds larger than 18m² require a building permit and must comply with setback requirements.
  
• In rural zones, larger sheds may qualify for exemptions but must still meet the Building Code of Australia.
  
• Sheds built in fire-prone areas may require non-combustible materials and additional safety measures.

Contact your local council to confirm specific requirements for your location.

Contact us for more support in building your new shed

The rules for building a shed vary across Australia, with each local council enforcing specific building approvals, development certificates, fire safety measures, and setback requirements. The biggest shed without council approval depends on state laws and local council rules, so verifying your shed complies with the regulations before construction is essential. 

If unsure, consult a shed builder, private certifier, or local council to ensure your project falls within legal limits.

Alternatively, contact the team from Simply Sheds for more information about building regulations for your brand-new shed. We have close connections with local shed builders and councils, so we can provide the information you need for a successful, legal build.