One of the first questions we get asked at Col Western Shed is – *Do I need council approval for building a shed* and it is a good and valid question to ask. In general, unless you are building a large shed to be used as an occasional or full-time dwelling, most storage and garden sheds don’t require council approval if they pass certain minimum requirements.
General rules for building sheds
Council rules and regulations will vary from council to council and from state to state, but most of these rules apply Australia-wide.
Sheds 10 square meters and smaller probably won’t require council approval, in some areas the minimum allowed is 9 sqm and as much as 20 sqm in other areas.
Also Read This: Start working from home with a customised work shed
In rural areas, it’s possible to build a shed up to 50 sqm without council approval.
If your shed is lower than 2.4 meters in height approval is not required
Shed’s located more than 900mm from adjoining properties will probably not need council approval
A shed can be constructed at the back of your property if you live in a heritage conservation area.
If you live in a bushfire area sheds must be made of a non-combustible material especially if it located within 5 meters of the main dwelling.
Sheds are defined as *non-habitable* structures
The size, shape and location of the shed must not make it dominate the surrounding landscape.
While a shed is a relatively informal structure it must still be built to the minimum Building Codes of Australia standards.
Is a shed really a D.I.Y project?
Generally, sheds are easy structures to build/put together and as long as you install your shed over a cement slab and you have constructed a small, stable shed it is a viable D.I.Y project. Many homeowners are finding it cheaper and a lot easier to purchase a kit shed and put the shed together with help from a few friends. There is a wide range of kit form sheds to buy including metal, timber and aluminium designs, all of which can be customised using windows, shelving and even ventilation systems and other extras to suit your needs.
If you want a much larger shed to use as a garage or workshop, or as a games room – these sheds are larger than typical storage or garden sheds, and will need council approval.