Want to add a shed or outbuilding to your property? Find out when planning and building approvals are required, design and setback standards, and how to apply.
Definitions
- Outbuilding: An enclosed non-habitable structure that is detached from any dwelling and may include a detached garage.
- Development (Planning) Approval: Approval required for certain developments to ensure compliance with zoning and planning requirements. It is required before a Building Permit can be issued if your shed does not meet all Deemed-to-Comply criteria of the R-Codes.
- Building Permit: Permission to commence building work that meets required building standards.
- R-Codes: The Residential Design Codes of WA (R-Codes), is a planning code which set out design and siting requirements such as setbacks, open space and building height.
Note: If the shed (outbuilding) has already been constructed without prior approvals, see the Unauthorised works page for guidance on how to apply retrospectively.
Shed (outbuilding) requirements
Where the outbuilding is associated with a dwelling in a Residential or Mixed Use zone, and where it has a residential density code of R40 and below for a Single House, or R25 and below for a Grouped Dwelling, the below provisions apply:
Note: Setback and design requirements may differ for other zonings or where a Local Development Plan or Structure Plan applies. For site-specific advice, contact the City.
- No more than one outbuilding per dwelling site;
- No more than two boundary walls;
- Maximum area of 10m²;
- Maximum wall and ridge height of 2.7m;
- Must not be located within primary or secondary street setback areas; and
- Must not reduce required open space or outdoor living area.
- Individually or collectively do not exceed 60m² or 10% of the site area (whichever is less);
- Side boundary setback of at least 1m for walls 14m or less in length;
- Side boundary setback of at least 1.5m for walls over 14m in length;
- Maximum wall height of 2.4m;
- Maximum ridge height of 4.2m;
- Must not be located within primary or secondary street setback areas; and
- Must not reduce required open space or outdoor living area.
Where the outbuilding is associated with a dwelling in a Residential or Mixed Use zone, and where it has a residential density code of R50 and above for a Single House, or R30 and above for a Grouped Dwelling, the below provisions apply:
- Individually or collectively do not exceed 60m2 per site;
- Not located in the primary or secondary street setback area;
- Maximum wall height of 3m which may be increased to 3.5m where designed to be compatible with the colour and materials of the dwelling;
- Maximum ridge height of 4.2m;
- Side boundary setback of 1m or must satisfy boundary wall requirements;
- Must not exceed maximum site cover for the site;
- Must not reduce primary garden area, soft landscaping, tree requirements and associated deep soil area.
Building Code requirements
All outbuildings must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume 2, which sets national standards for building safety and fire separation:
- Fire separation: You must provide at least 900mm of separation between your outbuilding and the dwelling, or between the outbuilding and the boundary. Alternatively, you may construct a fire wall that complies with the NCC.
- Bushfire requirements: If your existing dwelling was built under bushfire requirements and your proposed outbuilding is within 6m of the dwelling, you will need a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) report. Your outbuilding must comply with the requirements of that report.
How to apply to add a shed or outbuilding
Planning approval is not required for a shed in some circumstances, as outlined below.
| Zone | When you don't need planning approval |
|---|---|
| Residential and mixed use | You do not need planning approval if:
|
| Rural resource | You do not need planning approval if:
|
| All other zones | Planning approval is always required. |
You can check your property’s zoning, R-Code and whether a Local Development Plan applies using the City’s Online Mapping System.
Checklist
This checklist is applicable to all additions to residential development including but not limited to patios, outbuildings (sheds), carports, retaining walls, house extensions. All development applications must be accompanied by a completed and signed checklist PDF (see step 3). Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant with a list of outstanding items.
| Checklist information | When it is required |
|---|---|
| City of Wanneroo Application for Development Approval | Always |
| Metropolitan Region Scheme Form 1 | Required for approvals only under the MRS and not the Local Planning Scheme. |
| Payment of relevant fees (refer to Planning Fee Schedule) | Always |
| Current copy of the property's Certificate of Title (no more than six (6) months old) | Always |
| Site feature survey | Only required where there is a proposed change in ground levels |
| Site plan drawn to scale | Always |
| Floor plan drawn to scale | Always (not required for retaining walls) |
| Full set of elevation plans drawn to scale | Always |
| Statement identifying all design elements which do not satisfy the deemed-to-comply standard of the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes) and the City's planning framework, including written justification outlining how the proposal meets the design principles and objectives of the R-Codes and the City's planning framework | Where development is located in a zone where R-Codes apply |
| BAL Assessment (or BAL Contour Map) | If property is within a bushfire prone area (unless less than 1100m² in size) |
Information to include on your plans
The essential details include:
Site feature survey
To a scale (not less than 1:200) including street verge showing existing:
- Contours at 0.5m intervals extending past property boundaries;
- Relevant spot levels; location and finished floor levels of adjoining buildings;
- All structures, including buildings and retaining walls;
- Trees on the site in addition to street trees and other fixtures (bus stops, power poles, traffic islands etc); and
- Location of adjoining buildings.
Proposed full site plan to a scale
To a scale not less than 1:200 showing:
- Site dimensions, scale bar, north point, lot boundaries and existing contours and levels;
- Proposed buildings and existing buildings to be retained on the site;
- Setback distances of buildings from the boundaries of the site;
- Position and finished levels of all proposed buildings, walls, fences, retaining walls and other structures;
- Location and dimensions of driveways, crossovers, pedestrian accessways and parking spaces;
- Structures and trees to be demolished or removed;
- Areas to be landscaped;
- Proposed finished ground levels over the site;
- Location, height (relative to natural ground level) and length of all existing and proposed retaining walls.
Floor plans
To a scale of not less than 1:100 of the internal layout of each floor / building showing:
- Use / purpose of all areas / rooms;
- Location of external doors and windows;
- The line of any upper floors clearly indicated over the lower floor plan; and
- The finished floor levels of each floor of the building.
Elevations
To a scale of 1:100 of all buildings showing:
- Existing natural ground levels, wall heights and roof heights relating to the established datum (AHD);
- Proposed finished floor levels and ground levels;
- Location of openings and if openings are clear glass or obscure glass;
- The external appearance of the building; and
- The external appearance and height of any proposed fencing forward of the building line.
Stormwater drainage plan
Showing:
- Size, location and capacity of soakwells, or other measures for on-site stormwater retention; and
- Provision of grated trafficable lids for soakwells located within vehicular accessways or driveways.
Colours and materials schedule
Showing:
- Schedule of all external finishes and materials of the development including roof, walls, windows, fencing, and driveway materials and colours.
Other
Written justification for variations to the acceptable development provisions of the R-Codes or Council Policies, if applicable (optional).
For detailed information, including the application process, timeframe and fees, refer to the Development (Planning) Approval page.
Documents to prepare and submit
All development applications must be accompanied by a completed checklist. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned to the applicant with a list of outstanding items.
Download, complete and sign the Development (planning) Application Checklist – Residential Additions (see below).
How to submit your application
To apply, choose your preferred method below and remember to submit your supporting documents along with the application form:
- Option 1 – Apply online (preferred): Apply through the online lodgement portal.
- Option 2 – In person: Download and complete the Application Form PDF (see below), then submit it with all supporting documentation including the checklist at the City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm.
- Option 3 – By post: Download and complete the Application Form PDF (see below), then mail it with all supporting documentation including the checklist to City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946.
Fees
Planning assessment timeframes
The City of Wanneroo assesses planning (development) applications, within the following timeframes:
- Up to 60 days for most applications;
- Up to 90 days if consultation with the public (neighbours) or other public authority is required.
In many cases, straightforward applications that meet all planning requirements are approved sooner than these timeframes. The assessment timeframe begins after:
- You have submitted a complete application; and
- The City formally accepts it for assessment.
Planning approval (if required) must be issued before you can apply for a building permit.
Development (Planning) Application Checklist – Residential Additions (PDF) Development (Planning) Approval Application Form (PDF)
You have two ways to apply:
Option 1 – Certified application (BA1 form)
Includes a Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3) prepared by a registered private building surveyor.
You will need to complete and submit the following:
- Application for building permit - certified (BA1) form.
- Payment of relevant fees (refer to building fees schedule).
- Development approval (if required).
- Street and verge bond permit application.
Option 2 – Uncertified application (BA2 form)
We assess and certify your application as part of our process. You do not need to arrange a private surveyor.
You will need to complete and submit the following:
- Application for Building Permit – Uncertified (BA2) form.
- Payment of relevant fees (refer to building fees schedule).
- Site plan drawn to a minimum scale of 1:200, showing the location of the proposed outbuilding, setbacks from lot boundaries and other structures, finished floor levels and site levels.
- Building plans and elevation including floor plans, elevations and sections.
- Construction details and specifications demonstrating compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC).
- Structural engineering details and certifications.
- Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment and construction requirements (if applicable).
- Any other reports or certifications required to demonstrate NCC compliance.
- Street and verge bond permit application.
- Development approval (if required).
Documents to prepare
For detailed information, including the application process, timeframe, and fees, refer to Building Permit page.
How to submit your application
You can submit your Building Permit application:
- Option 1 – Apply online (preferred): Apply through the online lodgement portal.
- Option 2 – In person: With all supporting documentation at the City of Wanneroo Civic Centre, 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo. Business hours are Monday-Friday, 8.30am-5pm.
- Option 3 – By mail: With all supporting documentation to City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946.
Note: All owners of the land must be listed on the application.
Fees
Timeframes
- Certified applications: within 10 business days
- Uncertified applications: within 25 business days
If further information is required, you will be contacted. The requested information must be provided within 21 days or within an agreed timeframe.
