Sheds and carports

Garden Shed.jpg

Building a shed or carport can improve storage, functionality and property value, but it’s important to understand the approval pathways and requirements before you start.

Do I need approval?

Depending on your proposal, you may:

  • Not need approval (Exempt development)
  • Be eligible for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
  • Require a Development Application (DA)

The pathway depends on your shed size, location, zoning and design.

Option 1: Exempt Development (no approval required)

Some small sheds can be built without development consent if they meet all NSW planning requirements.

Key requirements

Your shed must meet all of the following:

Location

  • Not on:
    • A heritage item or draft heritage item
    • A heritage conservation area
    • An environmentally sensitive area

Size

  • Maximum:
    • 20m² in most zones
    • 50m² in rural (RU1–RU6) and large lot residential (R5) zones

Height

  • Must not exceed 3m above existing ground level

Setbacks / placement

  • Rear yard location
  • Minimum:
    • 5m from boundaries in rural zones
    • 900mm in other zones

You can confirm eligibility on the NSW legislation website.

Option 2: Complying Development Certificate (CDC)

If your shed does not meet exempt criteria, it may qualify for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC).

  • A fast-tracked approval process
  • Must meet standards under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Codes SEPP)

Option 3: Development Application (DA)

If your proposal does not meet exempt or complying criteria, you will need to lodge a Development Application (DA).

  • Assessed by Council
  • Lodged through the NSW Planning Portal

Additional requirements to consider

Even if your shed is approved (or exempt), you still need to consider:

  • Building line

    • Sheds in front of your dwelling will not be supported

  • Stormwater

    • Must connect to stormwater infrastructure or a rainwater tank
    • Must manage overflow appropriately

  • Site works

    • Cut and fill should be minimised

  • Boundary setbacks

    • Minimum 900mm applies

Size limits by zoning (Development Control Plan)

The Armidale Regional Development Control Plan (DCP) sets additional limits:

Residential zones (R1 & R2)

  • 65m² on lots between 600m²–900m²

  • 100m² on lots over 900m²

Large lot residential (R5)

  • Up to 500m² (agricultural use)

  • 100m² (other uses)

Variations may be considered with justification

Rural properties

If your property is in a rural zone (RU1 or RU4), your shed may be considered a farm building.

Converting a shed to a dwelling

Planning to turn your shed into a home?

  • This always requires a Development Application (DA)
  • Must meet safety and planning standards

Need help?

If you’re unsure which approval pathway applies to your project, contact Council’s planning team early, it can save time and avoid costly changes later.

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