Do you need a building permit?
Wanneroo follows the state rule: no building permit for a shed that is 10 m² or less and 2.4 m high or less. Anything bigger or taller needs one. Planning approval is only exempt in a residential zone; on rural and other zones, check with the City first.
Wanneroo's planning rules for sheds
A shed skips planning approval if it meets either the small or the large outbuilding standard:
| Small outbuilding | Large or multiple outbuildings | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 10 m² or less, and only one per lot | All outbuildings together no more than 60 m² or 10% of the lot, whichever is less |
| Height | Wall and ridge up to 2.7 m | Wall up to 2.4 m, ridge up to 4.2 m |
| Boundaries | No more than two walls on the boundary | 1 m from side boundaries for walls up to 14 m long; 1.5 m if longer |
| Front yard | Not in the primary or secondary street setback | |
| Open space | Must not reduce your lot's required open space or outdoor living area | |
Two small sheds count as multiple outbuildings, so they're assessed under the large standard. These rules suit most R20 and R30 lots; estates with a Local Development Plan or Structure Plan can differ.
Fire separation and bushfire
- Every shed, permit or not, needs 900 mm of separation for fire safety: either 900 mm from the boundary, or 900 mm from the house.
- If your house was built to bushfire requirements and the shed is within 6 m of it, the shed needs a new bushfire (BAL) report and must meet it.
What to lodge
For an uncertified application (BA2), Wanneroo asks for:
- A site plan at 1:200 or larger, showing the distance to each boundary and other structures
- Floor plan and elevations at 1:100 or larger, with all dimensions
- Construction details: materials, sizes, spacing, spans and footings
- Structural engineer's details
- A bushfire (BAL) report, if needed
- A Street and Verge Bond Permit application, required with every building permit
- Planning approval, if needed. A BA2 can be lodged while planning is pending, but it waits until planning is approved
You can lodge online through the City's website. The building permit fee is set by the state: 0.32% of the value for a BA2, at least $121, plus the $61.65 Building Services Levy.
Contact
City of Wanneroo Building Services: 9405 5000.