Building a shed

Do I need planning approval to build a shed?

A planning permit is not required for a shed (out-building) associated with a dwelling on a lot in the Neighbourhood Residential, Low Density Residential and General Residential, unless:

  • The lot has an area of less than 300m2 and the shed is greater than 10m2; or
  • The land is affected by an overlay that may trigger a planning permit for certain buildings and works.

Find out if you need a planning permit with our online planning tool.

A planning permit will be required to build any size shed for the storage of personal goods on land with an existing dwelling within the Green Wedge, Green Wedge A and Rural Conversation Zone

If your land contains Overlays (e.g. a Land Subject to Inundation Overlay, Bushfire Management Overlay, Erosion Management Overlay, Significant Landscape Overlay) you may need a planning permit.

Can I build a shed before my dwelling?

No.

If a shed is proposed on a lot without an existing house or where the construction of a house is underway, this is then considered to be a store, and is prohibited in most residential zones.

If you would like to build your shed at the same time as your dwelling, it should be included in your building permit, or constructed once dwelling construction is underway.

Do I need a building permit to build a shed?

Shed greater than 10m2

You need a building permit is required for sheds greater than 10m² in floor area.

You will need to hire a private building surveyor to get a building permit for your shed. Council’s Building Department does not offer building permit services. For more information on appointing a building surveyor, contact the Victorian Building Authority.

Shed less than 10m2

A building permit is not required for sheds not more than 10 m² in floor area if the shed is:

  • not more than 3m in height or if within 1m of a boundary not more than 2.4m in height; and
  • associated with a building of a different class on the same allotment i.e. dwelling, office building, etc.; and
  • is located no further forward on the allotment than the front wall of the associated building; and
  • is not constructed of masonry.

Consent of a service authority may be required to construct a building over an easement or within 1m laterally, i.e. water authority, council etc.