Building Permits for Sheds

Overview

Getting a shed permit involves three parties: the structural engineer (designs the shed and provides certification), the building surveyor (reviews the documents, issues the permit, inspects construction), and the builder (constructs the shed to the engineering drawings).

Victoria

Exempt Sheds (No Permit Needed)

A shed may be exempt from a building permit if ALL of the following apply:

• Floor area not more than 10m²
• Single storey
• Not in a bushfire-prone area, flood zone, or heritage overlay
• Meets minimum setback requirements from boundaries
• Not attached to another building

If any of these conditions is not met, a building permit is required.

Permitted Sheds

For sheds requiring a permit, you need:

1. Structural engineering drawings, calculations, and certificate of compliance
2. Site plan showing shed location, setbacks from boundaries, and existing buildings
3. Application lodged with a private building surveyor or council
4. Permit issued (typically 1–3 weeks through private surveyor)
5. Construction by owner-builder or licensed builder
6. Inspections at key stages (typically slab pre-pour and completion)
7. Final inspection and certificate

Cost: $500–$1,200 for the building permit. Engineering: $3,200+GST.

New South Wales

Exempt Development

Under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes), sheds may be exempt if:

• Floor area not more than 20m²
• Maximum wall height 3.0m
• Not in heritage, flood, or bushfire areas
• Adequate setbacks from boundaries

Complying Development

Sheds between the exempt threshold and 50-60m² may qualify for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) through a private certifier. Faster than a DA — typically 1–3 weeks.

Development Application

Larger sheds or sheds in restricted areas require a DA through council. Takes 4–8 weeks or longer.

Queensland

Building development application required for Class 10a buildings over 10m². QBCC-licensed builder required unless owner-builder. RPEQ-registered engineer required for structural certification. Typical processing: 2–4 weeks through a private building certifier.

South Australia

Development approval required for sheds over 10–15m² depending on the development plan zone. Both planning consent and building rules consent may be needed. Building rules consent requires engineering documentation.

Tasmania

Building permit required for most sheds unless exempt under the Building Act 2016. Exempt thresholds are generally 9–18m² depending on conditions. Engineering required for all permitted sheds.

Documents Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions