Shed Building Permits

Sheds are one of the most common backyard structures in Victoria. They are used for storing tools, lawnmowers, bicycles, and household items, and can range from small prefabricated metal kits to large custom-built timber or steel structures. Because of their variety in size and placement, sheds fall under specific siting requirements in Part 5 of the Building Regulations 2018 (Victoria).

Here's a few key points we'd like to share about obtaining a shed building permit in Victoria.

Definition of a Shed

A shed is typically:

• A non-habitable outbuilding used for storage or as a workshop.

• Constructed from lightweight materials such as steel or timber.

• Usually detached from the main dwelling.

It is not designed for habitation, sleeping, or living, which means different rules apply compared to dwellings, garages, or habitable outbuildings.

Permit Exemptions

Under Schedule 3 of the Building Regulations 2018, some small sheds are exempt from requiring a building permit:

• Sheds less than 10m² in floor area are exempt if they are:

  • Not more than 3m high; and

  • Not located within 1m of a boundary; and

  • Not located over an easement.

If a shed exceeds these thresholds, a building permit is required.

Sheds on Boundaries

• A shed can be placed on a boundary (which means within 200mm), provided:

  1. It is not more than an average 3.2m high;

  2. It is not more than 10m + (boundary length – 10m divided by 4) in length along the boundary; and

  3. It does not encroach on an easement without consent.

Sheds not on Boundaries

• If a shed is not located on a boundary, it must comply with minimum setbacks:

  • At least 1,000mm from the side or rear boundary; or

  • A reduced setback can be considered through Report and Consent.

Easements

Sheds must not be built over an easement without consent from the relevant authority (e.g., sewer, stormwater, water).

• If consent is granted, lightweight/demountable construction may be required.

• Authorities may require footings to be removable for future access to underground assets.

Do I need a building permit for a shed in Victoria? Almost always, yes.