Thread: Building permit costs for a shed

Confusing isn't it !
Regulators seem to be able to make somethings uniform across Aus but when it comes to housing . . . .
In Vic generally a free standing shed under 10m2 & not made of masonry doesn't need a building permit. In some cases you may still need a planning permit.
In all situations that I know of if there is no dwelling on the land you will need a planning permit for a shed & that will need to show all the details of the proposed home - except for structural details.
i.e. floor plan, elevations, site plan, boundary setbacks etc.
On zoned rural land [with a house] you may not need a planning permit if it is set back from the boundary more than the prescribed distance in the local planning scheme or if none is nominated, then by the distance under the Vic. Building Regs 2006.

As for fees many councils & private surveyors seem to be starting at $700 odd dollars for permits with an allowance for 3 inspections. If more inspections are required they have extra fees per inspection. If they are called for an inspection & it is knocked back or not ready when they arrive an extra inspection fee in many cases is charged.

We've just been through the process of getting a planning permit and a building permit in Mildura Shire in Vic. With council fees and inspection fees we've coughed up almost $1,500.........not to mention the cost of putting together the plans in the first place.

That's before the Shire comes back again for the laughable 'Infrastructure You Might Damage During Construction' Fee......which last time meant $163 to cover the councils time to determine that, as we live in the rural zone, we din't have any council infrastructure (like kerb and guttering) to actually damage....which was fortunate cause if we lived in an urban area they'd have gouged us for another $650!!!!

If you require a building permit for your project, then an Asset Protection Permit will also be required. The asset protection permit process is in place to safeguard Council's assets such as footpaths, pit lids, curb and gutters, and allows for any damage to be repaired. The process also allows for siting controls such as rubbish and builder's refuse, as well as any soil, rubbish or concrete in gutters which could enter stormwater drains.

Originally Posted by SilentButDeadly

We've just been through the process of getting a planning permit and a building permit in Mildura Shire in Vic. With council fees and inspection fees we've coughed up almost $1,500.........not to mention the cost of putting together the plans in the first place.

That's before the Shire comes back again for the laughable 'Infrastructure You Might Damage During Construction' Fee......which last time meant $163 to cover the councils time to determine that, as we live in the rural zone, we din't have any council infrastructure (like kerb and guttering) to actually damage....which was fortunate cause if we lived in an urban area they'd have gouged us for another $650!!!!

This is what councils do when they don't want to put the rates up!

Some call it euphemistically "user pays" ( and pays and pays and pays..........)

I have to say this seems rather excessive even by today's standards.

I think we may, at times, be confusing Planning Permits and Building Permits. In Mt Alexander Shire a planning permit is not required for the primary dwelling on a rural property greater than 40 hectares. Nor is one required for a rural shed etc. A building permit is required even if a planning permit is not - unless the building is less than 10sq.m. At least that is what the planning officers told me last time we spoke.

IMHO, if the rules say you need a buidling permit you are better off getting one. I tried the alternative for an extension to a building and it bit me on the b*m when I needed further approval from the council for something else.

Bill

Just an update on my shed permit - decided to get the shed built by a steel shed/garage company as they can arrange for a permit that is included into their price - works out at $350 for the permit.

Trevor

Can a permit for the same structure be different prices if you go to different contractors? Can you shop around for a better price?

You can certainly shop around on price, although the cost of permits does seem to have risen a lot since the councils stopped doing it themselves.

Originally Posted by ozwinner

I think you will find that if you live on a larger property, even here in Vic, that a permit is not required even to build a house.

Al

Permit and certification always required in every state to build and occupy a residential dwelling and has been so for years - at least since all States agreed to the BCA and I think that was 1984.

Sheds rules vary between State & local authorities and between rural & residential zones, so you must check where you live, but most allow garden sheds of less than 10m2 (effectively a 3mx3m really, but any shape) to be constructed without a permit. That is not a very big shed.

These are still subject to various design & siting guidelines in most jurisdictions (such as distances from boundaries, clearances from power lines etc. and in some case construction materials). If you try to connect power or water you might come up against plumbing and electrical regulations that will affect what you are allowed to do.

As has been said - not worth the hassle to build without getting the proper permits & certifications. Not so much because of being caught, but for insurance and because the laws are mostly there for good reasons (albeit sometimes not easy to see - but if ya don't like em lobby to change them).

The manufacturers and resellers such as Bunnngs have info sheets on what applies in their local area and the instructions or ads usually indicate if a permit is needed.

Originally Posted by ian

Ron this is a little harshIt's more like you are dealing with people who can be ridiculed, humiliated or sacked if they deviate from Council policy or disagree with a councillor.

ian

Well said.

Hi
My m i law built a new kit granny flat behind her sons home in north island NZ in last 2 years

Councils there .... like lots in Aussie are going broke.

To remedy this

Before her final approval was signed.

Her shire council asks for a new
$10,000 FUTURES FUND payment now.

The property owner gets nil services or product eg kerbing etc for this fee.
It's to load council funds . For the future they say.

Came in 1/2 way through her job.

So at final stages she needed another 10 grand at last minute.
Wonder how long before we in Oz get similar?

As an aside Tassie councils have little expertise in building regs anymore.
They allowed private companies to take over .

I built a home extension same time with a builder with 60 years experience .
We did it the old way with lots of extra noggins, hardwood etc..
The young lady inspector hadnt seen a correctly built house before.

It wasnt in her regs book so was wrong despite over engineering to the max. No flimsy trusses used, all fitted joints.
Her lack of knowledge was worrying. We got it overridden but at a cost.

A registered bldg surveyor (private) is easiest way to get a job through red tape now here.
I believe soon they will be able to sign off all of a building job.

Owner builders are copping it hard down here by the beauracrats.


Nick Tassie

Originally Posted by ozwinner

Just build two smaller sheds side by side?
Al

Hey!!
Don't joke

That's what my Building Inspector suggested,
and to then Cover the 6Metre span between them;
this was
before I told him that it was to go on Acerage.

All I required was an Application for Exemption
and the $275.00+ for fees


I have a good B/I,
I ask him
"How would you like me to do the job?"
"Which builders do you recommend?"
"What about which garage Fabricators I choose?"

Paperwork STRAIGHT through.
3 Months waiting for Builder to do SLAB
http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...ad.php?t=62237

Me ATM....