Ipswich City Council Shed Building Requirements
Different city councils across Queensland have different regulations when it comes to building a shed in your backyard. If you’re in Ipswich and contemplating building a shed on your property, there are a few things to keep in mind with regards to staying on the right side of Ipswich City Council.
It can be a lot to take in if you have no building experience, so we’ve put together a guide to make things easier for you.
If you have any questions or would like to chat to a professional shed builder, Stockman Sheds is here for you anytime. Remember, if you get us to build your shed we take care of all your council permits and applications. That means a seamless and easy journey to getting your dream shed built!
1. Does My Ipswich Shed Require Council Approval?
If you’re constructing a really small shed in your backyard to store the gardening tools in, you probably don’t need building approval. Most Ipswich Sheds aren’t that small though, and would require council approval. Building approval is required if any of the following apply:
The area of your shed is larger than 10m2
The overall height is more than 2.4-metres (or has a mean height of more than 2.1-metres)
Any side is longer than 5-metres
It’s not a standalone structure, i.e. it's attached to another building.
Does the shed you have in mind meet any of the above points? Then you’re going to need to lodge a building approval application.
2. Ipswich Shed Building Codes
If you’re investing in a custom shed in Ipswich, you want a structure that stands the test of time. There are a set of codes and standards in place that help give you the peace of mind your shed will be built to last.
For that, and legal compliance purposes, Ipswich sheds should adhere to the following:
The Building Act 1975, chapters three and four
Any local law or local planning instrument the Building Act 1975 allows to apply to the assessment
The Queensland Development Code
The Building Code of Australia.
Here at Stockman, we know these laws inside out because all our sheds are built to an exacting high standard. Any questions about them, let us know!
3. Boundary Rules
A setback is the minimum distance that a structure can be from the boundary of a property. If you’re within the Ipswich City Council, there are setback rules determining where you can build your shed in relation to your boundary. Here they are:
There’s a 6 metre setback from the road boundary.
For a shed up to 4.5 metres in height, the boundary setback is 1.5 metres.
For a shed up to 7.5 metres high, the boundary setback is 2 metres.
There are certain exceptions that allow sheds, carports or garages to be built up to the side and rear boundaries. Talk to a member of the Stockman team and we’ll be able to tell you more!
4. What Documentation is Required?
If you’re putting in your building approval assessment yourself, you’ll need to supply Ipswich Council with the following:
Building Application Forms
Site plans drawn up to scale
An engineers certificate
Details of how stormwater is discharged
An application fee.
If you have any questions about these, be sure to give us a call.
5. Relevant Overlays
Bushfire overlay:
- If the dwelling was built before 2009 the structure will not require bushfire protection
- Dwelling built after 2009: Structure must be located a minimum of 6m from the dwelling OR the shed will
require the same fire protection/BAL rating as dwelling.
Character Places Overlay
- Building work located behind the primary dwelling is typically exempt. Contact Stockman for advice if located within the Character Places Overlay.
Urban Catchment Flow Path
- Building Work within the urban catchment flow path will require a DBW application.
- Ensure Fire separation is achieved from either boundary and/or dwelling.
6. Amenities and Aesthetics Referral Provisions
In Ipswich, council referral is required if the following provisions are not complied with. Please note max heights are to natural ground level.
| Referral Provision | Referral Exceptions | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 10 buildings or structures exceeding certain dimensions | The construction, placement or extension of a Class 10 building or structure on a parcel of land of a particular size with a roof/plan area, wall height or apex height exceeding the below: (See Table 2 below) | A separate or concurrent application for development approval under Council’s Planning Scheme which incorporates the proposal has been approved and is still valid |
| Carports within the prescribed road boundary setback | If More than one carport located within the prescribed road boundary setback; or Any carport or part of a carport located within the prescribed road boundary setback having a width dimension greater than 7.0m | A referral agency response for a variation to the property boundary setback is required. |
| Class 10 buildings or structures on Vacant Land | The construction or placement of a Class 10 building on vacant land (not containing a dwelling). | A valid building permit for a Class 1 dwelling has been issued to Council. OR; A referral agency response is required. |
Table 2:
| Land Area (m2) | Roof/Plan Area (m2) | Wall Height | Apex Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-600 | 60 | 3.2m | 4.2m |
| 601-1000 | 80 | 3.6m | 4.5m |
| 1001-3000 | 100 | 3.6m | 4.7m |
| 3001-15000 | 120 | 3.6m | 5.2m |
| Over 15000 | 300 | 4.2m | 6.0m |
Stockman - The Ipswich Shed Builders
We’ve got a crack team of shed builders covering the Ipswich area, and they’d love to turn your dream shed into a reality. When you build with Stockman, we take care of all the Ipswich Council shed building requirements for you.
Our shed designers will also guide you on the design and placement of your shed. It’s a stress-free Aussie shed-building experience! Let’s kick it off today… get in touch with the Stockman crew!
