Council - Build Permit

Do I Need Planning Approval to Build a Shed in a Farming Zone?

A planning permit is required if your shed in a Farming Zone meets any of these conditions:

• 100 meters from a Transport Zone 2 (i.e., principal road network)
• 100 meters from a dwelling not in the same ownership
• 100 meters from a waterway, wetlands, or designated floodplain
• 40-100 meters from land in a Public Acquisition Overlay (contact us for assistance)
• 40 meters from a Transport Zone 3 (i.e., significant Council road)
• 20 meters from any other road
• 5 meters from any other boundary

Note: These requirements may differ slightly if your land is in a Rural Living Zone, Rural Conservation Zone, or Rural Activity Zone. Please contact us for assistance.

You can check the zones and overlays that apply to your property on [VicPlan].

[Diagram: Structure or Building in a Farming Zone]

Can I Build a Shed Before My Dwelling?

No.

If you propose to build a shed on a lot without an existing dwelling or where dwelling construction is not already underway, the shed is considered a "store," which is prohibited in most residential zones. If you want to build a shed simultaneously with your dwelling, it should be included in your building permit or constructed once dwelling construction has begun.

Do I Need Planning Approval to Build a Shed in a General Residential, Township, or Mixed-Use Zone?

A planning permit is not required for a shed (outbuilding) associated with a dwelling in a General Residential Zone, Township Zone, or Mixed-Use Zone, unless:

• The lot area is 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.

You can check the zones and overlays that apply to your property on [VicPlan].

Do I Need Building Approval to Build a Shed?

For a shed greater than 10m²:

A building permit is required. You need to engage a private building surveyor to obtain this permit. Council's Building Department does not offer building permit services. For more information, contact the Victorian Building Authority.

For a shed less than 10m²:

A building permit is not required if the shed:

• Is not more than 3m in height (or 2.4m high if within 1m of a boundary)
• Is associated with a building of a different class on the same allotment (e.g., dwelling, office)
• Is located no further forward than the front wall of the associated building
• Is not constructed of masonry

Important: Consent from a service authority (e.g., water authority, council) may be required if you plan to build over an easement or within 1m laterally of one.

Need More Information or Advice?

For further assistance, contact our Statutory Planning team:

• Request a call back: (calls are usually returned the same day or within 48 hours)
• Call: 1300 123 123
• Request a Pre-Application Discussion: (may include phone, virtual, or email communication) before submitting your formal planning permit application. Please provide conceptual plans, photos, and a detailed proposal outline beforehand.