Ahhh … the shed. A quintessential outdoor Aussie construction where we store all manner of stuff that doesn’t belong (or won’t fit) anywhere else! In many households, it’s also a dwelling where the man and/or woman of the house (in their “man cave” or “she shed”, respectively) can retire to soak up some much-needed peace and quiet.
But if you don’t have a shed (or would like a “his and hers” equivalent), it’s not as simple as just plonking one down in the backyard. Rules and regulations need to be followed, and, just like fencing laws, these can differ between states and local councils. In some instances, the penalties for not conforming to these regulations can also be costly. However, it’s not all doom and gloom. A quick phone call to your local council is often all it takes!
So if you’re asking yourself questions like how close can a shed be to a fence or what’s involved with building a shed on a fence line, here are some general guidelines.
Shed placement in Queensland requires compliance with the Queensland Development Code and the applicable Planning Scheme provisions. Generally, the Code requires that all buildings and structures be:
In New South Wales, many minor projects aren’t likely to require Council approval as they fall under the “exempt developments” section in the law. However, your fence will need to meet some specific requirements, including:
In Victoria, a building permit is generally required for sheds greater than 10m² in floor area. For sheds not more than 10m² in floor area, a building permit is not required providing the shed is:
In South Australia, approval from your local council may be required if the garden shed being added to your home or a domestic residence is:
However, even though your development may comply with the above, you may still be required to obtain planning approval if the structure is located between an existing building and the road frontage, or if it’s closer than 900 metres to the secondary street boundary for corner blocks.
In Western Australia, generally, any shed less than 10m2 doesn’t need building licence approval. However, your shed should be:
In Tasmania, general approval for a shed construction (a small shed up to 18m2 or a prefabricated steel shed up to 36m2) is determined on a low-risk assessment. This allows the owner to carry out the project without a permit. However, you may need to submit a form for your Council’s approval. Once construction is completed, you will need to notify your Council using a ‘Notification of Low Risk Work’ form confirming that your shed:
References
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