Do I Need Council Approval to Build a Shed in VIC?

21 December 2024

Shed Regulations VIC

Whether it's for extra storage, a workshop, or a quiet retreat away from the main house, there are specific regulations that govern whether or not you need a building permit or planning permission to build a shed on your property. As you might expect, this is not the easiest thing to figure out, especially if it's not something you've ever encountered before. But to make things easier, we've put together this complete guide.

Below, we'll break down the process, explain when council approval is needed, and highlight the requirements across various shire councils to make navigating this confusing landscape feel a little more achievable!

Do I Need to Apply for Planning Permission to Build a Shed in Victoria?

One of the first steps in planning a shed in Victoria is determining whether you need a planning permit or a building permit. The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) states that a shed over 10 square metres in floor area or taller than 2.4m in height will generally require a building permit. But that's not all. Planning permits may also be needed depending on your property's zoning, such as in residential areas or heritage overlays.

To make thing even more confusing, requirements differ from council to council. For example, if you live in areas managed by Casey City Council, Southern Grampians Shire Council, or Greater Geelong City Council, there are other specific regulations you need follow, including setback requirements. This can include your shed being located no further forward than your houses' front wall or adhering to minimum distances from property boundaries.

Put simply, if your shed has a floor area larger than 10 square metres or is more than 2.4m in height, you'll likely need to go through the council approval process.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general use only, and is not intended as a guarantee of current regulations. Please review all regulations independent of the following information, or contact your local Fair Dinkum Builds store to confirm exact requirements.

What Are the Consequences of Building a Shed Without Council Approval in VIC?

Even though getting council approval can be a complicated and lengthy process, it's extremely important that you do follow the required process, as failing to obtain the necessary approval for you shed can land you in a lot of trouble.

Fines and Penalties

If your shed does not have the required building or planning permit, local councils can impose fines, which can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the non-compliance.

Demolition and Modification Orders

In extreme cases, local councils can issue an order to demolish or modify the structure. This often happens if the shed fails to meet safety standards, is constructed in a prohibited area, or does not comply with setback and height regulations.

Property Sale Issues

An unauthorised shed can also become a legal and financial obstacle when it comes to selling your property. This is because prospective buyers and their solicitors may identify the non-compliant structure during due diligence, which can potentially delay or derail the sale entirely. Also, sheds without permits can reduce property value in certain areas.

Additional Costs for Retrospective Approvals

In some cases, you may have to apply for retrospective approval to legalise the shed. However, this process is often more expensive and time-consuming than obtaining permits in the first place. Also, as part of this, you may need to hire a registered builder to make modifications to the shed or provide additional documentation to prove compliance.

What Steps Do I Need to Take to Get a Building Permit for a Shed in VIC?

Assuming your proposed shed does need council approval, there is a specific process you'll need to follow to make everything go as smoothly as possible. Here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Submit a Detailed Site Plan

First, prepare and submit a site plan that shows the proposed location of the shed on your property. This plan needs to include the shed's dimensions, its proximity to the property boundaries, and distances to other buildings, such as your house or garage.

Step 2: Provide Shed Design Details

Along with this site plan, you'll need to include the design details of the shed with your application. This should outline the shed's floor area, height, and the materials being used (e.g., masonry or steel). These details will help make sure that the shed meets Victorian building regulations.

Step 3: Specify the Construction Method and Builder Information

Another thing you'll need to do is clarify how the shed is going to be constructed. This means indicating whether it's a prefabricated structure, a custom-built design by a registered builder, or a project that you'll complete as an owner builder. This information will be used by your local council to make sure building standards are being complied with.

Step 4: State the Shed’s Purpose

You're also going to have to include details on what your shed is going to be used for, whether it's a garden shed, workshop, or anything else. This information will also be used by your local council to confirm zoning compliance and to see if there are any additional requirements.

Step 5: Lodge the Permit Application with Required Documents

With all of that information gathered you can submit your permit application to your local council. It's super important to make sure all the required documents are included at this stage. Otherwise, your application is likely to be delayed.

Step 6: Council Assessment and Inspections

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by a building certifier. They will check that the shed complies with setback guidelines, heigh restrictions, and other regulatory requirements, and they may also conduce a site inspection to verify the proposed location and assess compliance.

Step 7: Building Approval is Granted if it Meets All Regulatory Requirements

If your shed complies with all regulations, the council will grant a building permit. With approval in hand, you can now proceed with construction, but throughout, you must make sure the work aligns with the approved plans. A final inspection may also be carried out upon completion to confirm compliance, and if the plan differs from the original, you'll likely have to make modifications and pay for retrospective approval.

Ready to start planning your new shed? Learn more about design and customisation options for sheds.

How Much Does it Cost to Apply for Council Approval to Build a Shed in VIC?

The cost of council approval isn't a set figure, and it will vary based on the size of the structure, your local council's fee schedule, and any additional inspections needed. Generally speaking, the fees for a building permit range from $500 to $2,000 in Victoria, and if you need a planning permit as well, you can expect to pay more. Also, some councils, such as Cardinia Shire Council or Hepburn Shire Council, may require you to hire a professional surveyor to prepare documents or assess your site plan.

What Size Shed Can I Build Without Council Approval in VIC?

While you're quite likely to need council approval for most shed building work in Victoria, there are some cases where you'll be exempt based on size. Many Victorian councils allow sheds up to 10 square metres in floor area and no taller than 2.4 metres in height to be constructed without a permit. However, even exempt sheds must be located no further forward than the front wall of your house and adhere to boundary setback requirements.

For larger sheds or those constructed in residential areas, it's always best to verify with your local council to determine what your permit requirements are before you start building.

Contact Your Local Council in VIC or Get in Touch with Our Team to Get the Latest Details on Building Approvals for Sheds

From site plans and permit applications to making sure your shed design complies with local regulations, there are many details involved with the permit process and, understandably, it can feel quite overwhelming. Contacting your local council is the best way to confirm requirements for your proposed shed, but if you need assistance with any aspect of planning, our team is here to help. With information and support from Fair Dinkum Builds, the whole process will feel much easier, and we'll help get you on track to building a shed that meets all council guidelines.

Ready to start designing? Check out our free shed designer app.