Sheds & Garages rules in Perth
Building a shed or garage in Perth? City of Perth applies the Western Australia planning framework. Here's what that means locally — plus the overlays worth checking on your specific block.
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 |
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.
Shed or garages in Perth
City of Perth is the authority for Perth in Perth. The statewide Western Australia rules above set the baseline; the council can apply extra local controls, and heritage, flood or bushfire overlays on your lot can change what's allowed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need council approval for a shed or garage in Perth?
Usually yes. In Western Australia, a shed or garage generally needs an application, and City of Perth is the authority that assesses it. See the full state rules for the pathway and what's required.
Which council approves a shed or garage in Perth?
City of Perth is the consent authority for Perth (Perth). You can review local planning controls on the council website and lodge through your state planning portal.
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.
Sources
- Outbuildings fact sheet — Government of Western Australia ↗
- Residential Design Codes Volume 1 (R-Codes) — Government of Western Australia ↗
Related building rules
General guidance only — not professional planning advice. Local requirements in Perth can differ from the statewide summary and change over time; always confirm with City of Perth before starting work. Last reviewed: July 2026.
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