Build a shed

The construction of most minor domestic structures such as sheds, garages and outbuildings will require development approval. Development approval is comprised of both planning consent and building consent. The application may be made for both consents together or separately. The applicant may seek building consent through Council or engage a Private Certifier.

An application for planning consent is subject to assessment against the Planning and Design Code which is the policy document that sets the direction for development within the Council area. Key considerations for your development will include:

• Confirmation of proposed use – that the building is used for purposes incidental to the dwelling (ie. storage, car parking);
• Being of an appropriate size and scale. In the Neighbourhood Zone in townships, the size is generally <80 sqm and height of <3m wall height while the Rural Living Zone allows for size of up to <200 sqm and <4m wall height;
• Being sited appropriately to minimise the visual impact on adjoining properties and the streetscape;
• Materials and colours being non-reflective and compatible with the materials and colours of buildings in the locality;
• Not being constructed over or encroaching into the wastewater disposal area or a Council easement.

Where you are planning to build a shed and a dwelling at the same time, the dwelling slab must have been completed before the shed can be approved.

An application for building consent is assessed against the technical requirements of the National Construction Code and Ministerial Building Standards. The following information is required as part of the building application:

• Structural details in accordance with the building rules;
• Builders Indemnity Insurance is required for all work valued at $20,000 and above where a licensed builder is engaged to carry out the construction work;
• Construction Industry Training Board Levy is required for all work valued at more than $100,000.
  
  - For projects with a date of Development Approval or commencement of construction before 1 January 2025 - The levy is calculated on the estimated project value of building or construction works greater than $40,000 (inc GST)
  - For projects with a date of Development Approval or Commencement of construction after 1 January 2025 - The levy is calculated on the estimated project vale of building or construction works greater than $100,000 (excl GST)

If you wish to proceed to lodge a development application online, please visit the Plan SA website, as per the link below.