Sheds & Garages rules in Western Australia (2026)
A single prefabricated shed of 10 m² or less and up to 2.4 m high needs no building permit. Bigger outbuildings need a building permit, but avoid planning (development) approval if they meet the R-Codes 'deemed-to-comply' outbuilding rules — behind the street setback and within the size, wall-height and setback limits.
Often no planning approval; a building permit for most sheds
A single prefabricated shed of 10 m² or less and up to 2.4 m high needs no building permit. Bigger outbuildings need a building permit, but avoid planning (development) approval if they meet the R-Codes 'deemed-to-comply' outbuilding rules — behind the street setback and within the size, wall-height and setback limits.
Key rules at a glance
| Max area (no building permit) | 10 m² prefabricated shed, ≤2.4 m high |
| Max aggregate area (R-Codes deemed-to-comply) | 60 m² or 10% of the site, whichever is less |
| Max wall height | 2.4 m |
| Max ridge height | 4.2 m |
| Boundary setback | ≥1 m (≥1.5 m for longer walls); no more than two walls within 600 mm of a boundary |
| Position on lot | Behind the street (front) setback line |
Conditions & eligibility
- Deemed-to-comply outbuildings must be non-habitable and not attached to the dwelling
- Must meet the lot's private open space and setback requirements
- Exceeding any deemed-to-comply figure triggers development (planning) approval, assessed on merit
- Most outbuildings above the 10 m² exemption still need a building permit
- Floor level generally no more than 500 mm above natural ground for the planning exemption
Heritage, flood and bushfire controls on your specific lot can remove the fast-track and require a full application — even when the general rules say you're fine.
How approval works in Western Australia
Two approvals in WA: a building permit (Building Act 2011) and, sometimes, development (planning) approval. A prefabricated shed of 10 m² or less and 2.4 m or lower is exempt from a building permit; larger sheds need one. Planning approval is not required where the outbuilding meets the R-Codes deemed-to-comply standards; if it exceeds them (size, wall or ridge height, setbacks) you need development approval from council.
Some councils run their own outbuildings local planning policy that changes the maximum size or wall height, so check the R-Codes plus your council's policy.
Sheds & Garages rules by council in Western Australia
Local councils apply the Western Australia framework and can add their own controls. Pick your council:
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a shed in WA?
A prefabricated shed of 10 m² or less and up to 2.4 m high needs no building permit. Bigger sheds need a building permit, and need planning approval only if they exceed the R-Codes outbuilding limits.
What's the biggest shed I can build without planning approval in WA?
Under the R-Codes deemed-to-comply rules, up to 60 m² total (or 10% of the block, whichever is less), with walls no higher than 2.4 m, a ridge no higher than 4.2 m, behind the street setback and meeting boundary setbacks.
How close can a shed be to the boundary in WA?
Generally at least 1 m from side and rear boundaries (1.5 m for longer walls), with no more than two walls closer than 600 mm to any boundary. Otherwise you'll need development approval.
Sources
- Outbuildings fact sheet — Government of Western Australia ↗
- Residential Design Codes Volume 1 (R-Codes) — Government of Western Australia ↗
Related building rules
This is general guidance, not professional planning advice. Figures are summarised from the sources above and can change — confirm with your council or the WA Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage before starting work. Last reviewed: July 2026.
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