Most sheds in Victoria require a building permit, but the thresholds, exemptions, and council requirements vary more than people expect. Here’s what you need to know before you build, and how CV Sheds takes the complexity off your plate.
Building permits vs. planning permits: know the difference
One of the most common sources of confusion is the difference between a building permit and a planning permit; they are separate approvals, issued by different bodies, and some projects require both.
For most residential and rural shed builds in Central Victoria, a building permit is the key requirement. A planning permit may also be needed if your property is subject to overlays such as a Bushfire Management Overlay or Heritage Overlay; your council can confirm this.
When does a shed need a building permit?
Under Victoria’s Building Regulations, Class 10a structures (non-habitable buildings, including sheds, garages, and carports) are generally exempt from requiring a building permit only when they are very small. As a practical guide, the key thresholds are:
Floor area over 10 sqm
Any shed with a floor area exceeding 10 sqm will typically require a building permit. This captures most sheds, even a modest 3m x 4m storage shed at 12 sqm falls above this threshold.
Height over 3 metres
Even a small shed may require a permit if its wall or overall height exceeds 3 metres. This catches many taller workshop and storage designs.
Within 1 metre of a boundary
Siting a shed close to a side or rear boundary triggers additional requirements around fire safety, drainage, and setbacks, regardless of the shed’s size.
Good to know
These thresholds are a general guide based on the Building Regulations 2018. Exemption conditions depend on your specific site, zoning, and any overlays in place. Always verify the requirements for your property with a registered building surveyor or your local council before committing to a design.
A real-world example
Scenario
6m x 9m workshop, Bendigo residential block
At 54 sqm, this shed sits well above the 10 sqm threshold, so a building permit is required. If the site is on a standard residential zoning with no overlays, a planning permit is unlikely to be needed, but the council should still be consulted. CV Sheds would prepare engineering drawings and site plans, engage a registered building surveyor, and manage the permit application before a single post goes in the ground.
How the permit process works
For most shed builds, the process follows a straightforward sequence once the design is finalised:
Confirm your zoning and any overlays with your local council. This takes minutes online via the Victorian planning portal.
Engage a registered private building surveyor. They assess your plans against the Building Regulations and issue the permit.
Submit engineering drawings and a site plan. These must meet Victorian standards, your shed builder should provide these as part of the build package.
Receive your permit and commence construction. Inspections may be required at certain stages of the build.
Obtain a Certificate of Final Inspection or Occupancy Permit for habitable spaces once construction is complete.
Not sure what your site requires?
Here at CV Sheds, we manage the entire permit process on your behalf, from preparing engineering drawings and site plans to liaising directly with trusted local surveyors. Our team ensures everything is in order before construction begins, so there are no surprises mid-build.
Ready to build your dream shed? Contact us today.