Council fees for a shed
The building permit fee is set by the state, so it's the same at every WA council. For a BA2 (the usual homeowner application) it's 0.32% of the value of the work, at least $121. You also pay the Building Services Levy: $61.65 for work up to $45,000.
| Shed value (incl. GST, labour and slab) | BA2 fee | Levy | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | $121 | $61.65 | $182.65 |
| $20,000 | $121 | $61.65 | $182.65 |
| $40,000 | $128 | $61.65 | $189.65 |
| $60,000 | $192 | $82.20 | $274.20 |
The value must include everything: the kit, slab, labour, services, fees and the builder's margin. Councils can reject an application if the value looks too low.
Extra council charges
- Planning approval, only if your shed breaks the outbuilding rules (too big, too tall or too close to a boundary): $147 for work up to $50,000 at councils like Melville.
- Verge bonds, at some councils. Wanneroo charges a $140 admin fee with every building permit, plus a $2,200 refundable bond if the work is worth $20,000 or more. Melville charges a $1,900 bond plus a $100 inspection fee for work over $20,000.
Other costs to budget for
- Plans and engineering. Most shed kit suppliers include these with the kit. Check before you buy.
- Registered builder. Since 1 July 2026, a shed worth less than $50,000 doesn't need a registered builder, and you can build it yourself without owner-builder approval.
- Home indemnity insurance is required for permit work worth more than $20,000.
Small sheds cost nothing
A freestanding shed of 10 m² or less and no higher than 2.4 m doesn't need a building permit at all.
Sources
- Building approvals: fees and Building Services Levy (Building and Energy)
- Building or renovating your home: Class 10a threshold (Building and Energy)
- Building a shed or outbuilding (City of Melville)
- Street and Verge Bond fees, patios information sheet (City of Wanneroo)
- Do I need a permit? (City of Gosnells)