Shed

What types of approval do I need?

Planning approval

Sheds are generally accepted development, subject to requirements if the property is:

• in a residential zone
• not impacted by a relevant overlay or neighbourhood plan.

This means you don’t need planning approval, but your proposed shed must comply with the relevant codes in City Plan. 

For each of the residential zones, your design must comply with all requirements of the Dwelling house code.

If your property is on a small lot, it must comply with all the requirements of the Dwelling house (small lot) code. 

If your proposed shed doesn’t meet all the requirements of the applicable code, it will need planning approval.

Building approval

According to the Building Regulation 2021 and the Queensland Development Code, you don’t need building approval if your shed: 

• is no more than 10 square metres in plan area
• is no more than 2.4 metres in height (with a mean height of no more than 2.1 metres)
• is no longer than 5 metres on any side
• will not affect the structural integrity of existing buildings, retaining walls or other structures on property or the adjoining property
• will not alter an existing pool enclosure or pool fence. 

You'll need to ensure your work complies with all relevant building codes and standards outlined in the National Construction Code.

Contact a licensed building certifier for advice on meeting the building assessment provisions and to organise building approval, if required. 

Your building certifier can also seek alternative provisions, such as the setback from the boundary, by lodging a request for a referral response.

What happens after I lodge my development application?

Once we’ve received your development application, we‘ll check it: 

• complies with properly made requirements
• includes all the relevant documents.

A fee quote will then be issued for payment. Council uses a points system to calculate development application fees, which can vary depending on your project.

Application assessment

Properly made applications proceed through an assessment process in set stages.

If your application is not properly made, you’ll receive an action notice and have 20 days to comply. 

You must let Council know that the action notice has been complied with. We’ll consider whether the action notice has been fulfilled and issue a Confirmation Notice if satisfied that the application is properly made.   

If you’re unsure, request information and advice. 

Keep track of your development application

You can check the status of your development application on our development and search tracking tool, Development.i.

Look up your development application by number or location and select 'Details'. The status is under 'Progress'.