If you’re planning a shed in Tasmania, chances are you’ve wondered:
“Can I build this without a permit?”
In many cases, yes, you can. Tasmania’s building rules allow certain sheds to be built without a shed permit if they fall under a category called Low Risk Work and meet council requirements.
In Tasmania, most sheds up to 36m² can be built without a building permit if they meet Low Risk Work requirements, height limits, and council planning rules.
Let’s break down what that means — and how big you can legally go.
Kit Sheds Up to 36m² – No Building Permit Required*
Sheds up to 36 square metres are the most common Low Risk Work structures in residential areas.
But before you build, you must contact your local council’s planning department to confirm your shed fits within your zoning, setbacks, overlays, and other site-specific criteria. Even if no shed permit is required, this step is essential as Planning and zoning rules still apply and you must remember that Council must be notified after construction (Form 80).
- 6m x 6m double garage
- 3m x 12m storage shed
- 4.5m x 8m garden or hobby workshop
Requirements:
- Prefabricated (kit) shed, engineer-designed
- Max wall height: 3.6 metres
- Max ridge height: 4.5 metres
- Single storey only
Farm Sheds – Up to 200m² Without a Permit*
If your property is zoned rural or agricultural and the shed is used for genuine farming purposes, you may be eligible to build up to 200m² without needing a shed permit — provided it meets the CBOS Director’s Determination requirements.
Example of farm shed size under 200m²: 9m x 22m
Requirements:
- Max floor area: <200m²
- Max wall height: 3.6 metres
- Max ridge height: 4.5 metres
- Max span between supports: 9.0 metres
- Steel-framed, prefabricated, and not used for habitation or commercial business
Always contact your local council to confirm your property zoning and use are eligible for Low Risk Work building codes in Tasmania.
Even if it is ‘permit free’, Council Planning and Red Tape Still Matter
It still must meet important conditions related to:
- Setbacks and overlays
- Fire safety and separation
- Stormwater drainage
- Site stability and size of cut/fill required
- Environmental zones (bushfire, flood, heritage, etc.)
There’s a lot to confirm before you buy or build. Our free checklist walks you through planning and building approval, step by step.
Real-world warning:
We’ve seen shed owners forced to remove or sell sheds they’d already bought or started installing — all because they didn’t check with council early. It’s one of the 5 most costly shed building mistakes we see shed owners make. Don’t risk it. It’s a quick check with your local council planning department.
When You DO Need a Shed Permit
You’ll likely need building approval if:
- Your shed is over 36m² (unless it qualifies as a farm shed)
- It’s attached to your home or within a certain distance
- It includes multiple storeys or a mezzanine
- It’s on land with zoning overlays or hazard classifications
- It won’t meet fire separation or setback rules from boundaries or dwellings
Plan your shed properly using the Shed Design App before committing to size or approvals. For common sizing considerations, see our shed sizes guide.
Shed Guru Tip
Even small sheds can trip you up when it comes to council planning. That’s why we always recommend:
Call your council first. A 10-minute conversation with your planning department can save you thousands in mistakes and delays.
Final Words: Council Has the Final Say
This blog is based on the Director’s Determination – Categories of Building and Demolition Work v1.4 (via CBOS Tasmania). It’s accurate and up-to-date at the time of writing — but ultimately, your local council has the final say.
Planning schemes vary. So do overlays, easements, and setback rules. Always confirm your situation with council before you purchase, build, or pour concrete.
If you want clarity on your project, submit your details through the Turn-Key Build form to get expert guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size shed can I build without a permit in Tasmania?
In most residential areas, sheds up to 36m² may be built without a permit if they meet Low Risk Work requirements.
Do I still need council approval if no permit is required?
Yes. Planning approval, zoning, and overlays still apply even if a building permit is not required.
Can I build a farm shed without a permit?
Yes, up to 200m² in rural zones if all CBOS requirements are met and the shed is not used for hababitation or business.
What happens if I build without checking council?
You may be forced to remove or modify the shed, even after construction is complete.
Does height affect whether I need a permit?
Yes. Height limits are part of Low Risk Work rules and exceeding them can trigger permit requirements.
