Shed size checker
Enter your shed's size. Nothing is sent anywhere.
The rules the checker uses
Two sets of rules decide what a shed needs. The checker applies the standard version of each.
| Rule | Limit | If you go over |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit exemption (Building Regulations) | Freestanding, floor area 10 m² or less, 2.4 m tall or less | Building permit needed |
| Wall height (R-Codes) | 2.4 m | Planning approval usually needed |
| Roof height (R-Codes) | 4.2 m to the top of the roof | Planning approval usually needed |
| Total size of all outbuildings (R-Codes) | 60 m² or 10% of the lot, whichever is less | Planning approval usually needed |
| Side and rear setback (R-Codes) | 1 m for walls up to 9 m long, 1.5 m if longer | Planning approval, unless a local policy allows it |
| Front yard | Not in the street setback | Planning approval |
Heights are measured from natural ground level. On a sloping block, or where the floor is raised, the shed can be taller than the kit says.
Common shed sizes
| Shed | Floor area | Building permit (if freestanding and 2.4 m tall or less) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.3 m x 1.5 m garden shed | 3.5 m² | Usually not |
| 3 m x 3 m | 9 m² | Usually not |
| 3 m x 3.3 m | 9.9 m² | Usually not |
| 3.7 m x 3 m | 11.1 m² | Yes |
| 6 m x 6 m garage-style shed | 36 m² | Yes |
| 9 m x 7 m | 63 m² | Yes, and over the 60 m² outbuilding limit |
What the checker can't see
- Your council's local policies. Some allow bigger sheds on large lots, or sheds closer to the fence.
- Rural and special rural zones, which have their own outbuilding rules.
- Heritage areas, estates and bushfire-prone lots, which can add requirements.
- Sewer lines and easements that you can't build over.
If the checker says you need a permit, we can prepare and lodge it for you, including the site plan.