Shed Building Permits in Melbourne
Planning a garden shed, workshop or storage building? Victorian Building Surveyors helps owners, shed suppliers and builders assess permit requirements and progress the building permit, inspection and completion process.
Check the shed before you order
A shed’s area is only one part of the assessment. Its height, proposed use, location, distance from boundaries and relationship to the dwelling can affect whether a building permit is required. A small shed is not automatically exempt. Send the proposed dimensions and a site plan so the relevant exemption conditions can be checked before construction.
A domestic storage shed is different from a habitable room or a commercial workshop. Tell us how the building will be used, including any proposed plumbing or change of use.
How VBS can assist
• Review the proposed shed and site information
• Assess a building permit application where required
• Identify missing drawings, engineering or supporting approvals
• Specify and undertake the mandatory inspections required by the permit
• Review the completion documents and arrange the appropriate final certification
Documents to send with your enquiry
Start with the property address, shed dimensions, intended use, supplier drawings and a marked site plan. Show boundaries, the house, other buildings, easements and the proposed shed location. Depending on the project, the application may also require title documents, structural engineering, footing details, soil information and relevant authority approvals. We will confirm the project-specific requirements in our assessment.
Planning, siting and inspection requirements
Planning approval is separate from a building permit. Council overlays, easements, boundary setbacks and siting provisions may affect your proposal. A supplier’s standard engineering package does not establish that every site requirement has been satisfied. Do not start work requiring a permit until that permit has been issued. Book each mandatory inspection before the relevant work is covered.
Frequently asked questions
Does a shed under 10 m² need a permit?
Some small sheds may qualify for an exemption, but area alone is not enough. Height, siting, use and all other applicable exemption conditions need to be checked.
Can I build a shed over an easement?
An easement can restrict building work and may require the relevant authority’s consent. Send your title and plan of subdivision before finalising the location.
What if the shed has already been built?
Tell us before applying and provide any council correspondence. The response to existing unauthorised work differs from the permit process for proposed construction. Read about building notices and compliance.
Request a shed permit quote
Send the property address, drawings and proposed shed size. VBS will review the scope and provide a fee proposal.
REQUEST A SHED PERMIT QUOTE → | Call 03 8407 3095
Melbourne and surrounds: approximately within 100 km of the CBD. Rest of Victoria: additional travel allowance may apply.
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