Sheds and carports

Garden Shed.jpg

Some sheds can be constructed as exempt development meaning development consent isn’t required if the shed meets the following criteria:

Location: The shed must not be situated on or in a heritage item, draft heritage item, or environmentally sensitive area. 

Size: The maximum floor area allowed is 20 square meters in most zones, and up to 50 square meters in rural zones (RU1, RU2, RU3, RU4, RU6) and large lot residential zones (R5). 

Height: The shed must not exceed 3 meters in height above the existing ground level. 

Placement: It should be in the rear yard and at least 5 meters from any boundary in rural zones, or 900mm in other zones. 

If your proposed shed does not meet the above criteria, you may be able to do a complying development certificate, which is fast tracked process, that also requires a certain criterion to be met.

Complying Development Certificate  

The State Environmental Planning Policy (exempt and complying development codes) 2008 specifies the criteria for sheds, for complying development below.  

If your proposed shed does not meet the requirements of complying development, you will need to lodge a Development application. This can be done on the NSW Planning Portal.  

Matters to consider in building a shed: 

Sheds in front of the building line of your dwelling will not be supported  

The shed will need to be connected to stormwater infrastructure or a rainwater tank with appropriate measures for the overflow of water  

Cut and fill must be minimised 

Sheds can be located no less than 900mm from the boundary  

The Armidale Regional Development Control Plan specifies maximum floor areas for sheds in certain zones: 

In the R1 General Residential and R2 Low Density Residential Zone 

  • 65m2 on lots between 600m2 and 900m2 

  • 100m2 on lots larger than 900m2 

Variations to these may be considered with adequate justification. 

Maximum floor area in the R5 Large Lot Residential zone: 

  • 500m2 if used for agricultural purposes, 100m2 in any other case  

If you property is located in a rural zone, RU1 Primary Production or RU4 Primary Production Small Lots see the Farm buildings page.

Thinking of Converting Your Shed or Outbuilding into a Dwelling?

In New South Wales (NSW), converting a shed or outbuilding into a dwelling requires approval to ensure it meets safety and planning standards. Here’s a guide to help you understand the process: 

Approval Requirements: 

Development Application (DA): 

  • Mandatory: Converting a shed or outbuilding into a dwelling always requires a Development Application (DA). 

  • Building Code of Australia (BCA): Sheds are typically classified as non-habitable (Class 10a) and must be upgraded to meet the higher standards for habitable dwellings (Class 1a)

Construction Standards:

  • Minimum Facilities: Your converted dwelling must include a toilet, shower or bath, wash basin, kitchen sink, and laundry facilities. 

  • Structural Upgrades: Significant upgrades may be needed, including a concrete slab, proper framing, and compliance with ceiling height and natural light requirements2. 

  • Safety Measures: Compliance with bushfire protection standards, flood level requirements, and termite protection is essential.

Additional Considerations: 

  • Energy Efficiency: A BASIX certificate outlining energy efficiency measures is required. 

  • Sewer Connection: Connection to the sewer or an approved on-site sewage management system is necessary. 

  • Neighbour Notification: While not always required, informing your neighbours can help prevent disputes. 

Steps to Get Approval: 

Step 1: Prepare Your Plans: Ensure your plans meet the BCA standards for a Class 1a dwelling.

Step 2: Submit a Development Application: Lodge your DA with detailed plans to your local council.

Step 3: Consult with Professionals: Engage with architects, engineers, and certifiers to ensure compliance with all regulations. 

For more information, visit the NSW planning portal.

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