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All about building approvals

Selecting a shed is an exciting process and a major investment. But first you need to inquire about building approvals.

Selecting a shed for your workplace or farm is an exciting process and a major investment. However, it’s not something which should be rushed into.

Before you make the all-important shed selection from Allied Sheds’ quality range and start the building process, there are specific steps in the process which you will first want to have sorted.

The most vital step is to explore whether you need building approval before you buy. While it might take you some time to research this requirement, we can guarantee that seeking the right advice straight from the start will provide you with the peace of mind to plough ahead with your new shed build – and could end up saving you the money and effort having to restart the entire process if you pursue the build without gaining the required approvals.

How do I find out whether I need a building permit?

The quickest way to get the answer you need is by contacting your local council. Most councils have their own customer service centre which is contactable by phone, as well as a planning desk near the reception area where you’re able to walk in and discuss your planning intentions with a qualified town planner.

The first question you need to ask is whether you will require a building permit for your shed, or whether your particular property is exempt from needing one.

Once you have the answer to this question, you’ll be able to proceed with either your building application – or if you don’t need building approval, you’re free to build away!

Compiling your building application

The requirement of building approval for a shed structure is quite common, so if you learn that you do need to have building approval before you can install your shed, don’t fret.

At first, it may seem a bit overwhelming applying for approval as the thought of the paperwork and documentation can be daunting.

However, after speaking with your local council about your intended build, you should feel much more confident about the process and be able to complete your building approval application.

Keep in mind that council approval applications vary from state to state and can even have discrepancies from council to council. If in doubt, it’s always safest to speak to your local planning authority.

Quite often, the council planners who you speak with may be the very people that contribute to the decision on whether your building application gets approved or not, so if you heed their advice and comply with their specified guidelines, you have put yourself in the best position possible.

The planner will also be able to assist you so that you comply with regulations such as location, size, drainage or bushfire requirements.

When compiling your application, make sure it’s clear, accurate and easy to read with bullet points where possible.

It should also include:

  • Everything your planning officer at the council told you to include.
  • Details of the person or company responsible for the work.
  • Copies of relevant plans and the shed specifications.
  • Payment and prescribed fee and levy.
  • Evidence of owner builder approval from the building services board (if applicable – check this with your council)

Before you submit your application, double check the contents with this list to ensure its complete – the process will be much quicker if you provide all the required information the first time around. In fact, your permit won’t be granted unless the permit authority is satisfied with all the required information.

You should also note that the fees you pay with the application cover the cost of the assessment, so regardless of the outcome there is no refund of fees if your application is refused.

If you’d like to discuss your build with one of our shed specialists, give our friendly Customer Service team a call on 1300 910 353.

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