Do I Need a Permit for a Domestic Shed?

Building permits can often be a dodgy and even controversial subject. For sheds, the answer to the question of whether or not a building permit is necessary isn’t really a cut and dried yes or no in many cases.

Around 2010 and 2011, there was an Australia-wide movement among local councils to relax the restrictions on sheds. They had become so popular that many local governments were being buried in red tape. The decision to relax the laws a bit was designed to give councils more time to concentrate on more important buildings.

The bottom line is that it is necessary to know the rules in your particular state. Since we are located in Perth, we will concentrate on the WA laws concerning sheds and building permits.

What You’re Allowed to Have

Basically, you are allowed to build a domestic shed of less than ten square metres without a permit, as long as you are compliant with the other rules. For example, 3 metres by 3 metres is 9 square metres and could be built without a permit, but 3 metres by 4 metres is 12 square metres and a permit would be required.

For a shed that is under 10 square metres, it must also meet these conditions:

Its location must be at the back of the front setback line.

It should not obstruct any vehicular sight lines.

It can, however, be located up to the rear boundary or the side boundary as long as it is compliant with fire safety rules. This means that it must also be at least 900 mm away from other buildings located on the property.

It must be restrained to withstand wind and it must be built of materials sufficient to maintain a sound structure.

Stormwater must be contained and then diverted to a compliant stormwater system.

Its maximum height cannot be more than 2.4 metres as measured from the ground.

The deck or floor cannot be more than 500 mm above the ground.

It should not be located within a conservation precinct.

If your shed is greater than 10 square metres, you not only need a permit, but must check for regulations regarding planning approval.

Call Our Experts

Our world class customer service staff will ensure that you are compliant. Call 1300 778 628.