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Has anyone faced penalties for building a shed without council approval?

I’ve been tempted to just put up a shed without asking for approval, since my project is small and I need the space quickly. But I’ve also heard there can be serious penalties if the council finds out. Does anyone know how strict enforcement is in practice? Do they actually check residential properties for unapproved sheds, or is it only a problem if a neighbor complains? I’m wondering if it’s really worth the risk to skip the official process.

2 comments

2 Comments

Walter Chang

Sep 23

Skipping approval can be risky, and it often depends on local enforcement. Some councils act on complaints, while others conduct inspections. If they discover an unapproved structure, you could be fined or even forced to dismantle it. I’d suggest checking the regulations before making a decision. This site is a good starting point: https://shedpermit.au/. It explains the possible penalties and helps you figure out whether you actually need approval for your specific shed size.

Howard Allison

Sep 23

Replying to

That’s enough to convince me not to gamble. I’d hate to spend money and effort building something only to be told I have to remove it. Even a modest fine would probably cost more than the permit itself. It seems like taking the official route is the safer and smarter option in the long run. Thanks for the advice and the link — I’ll read through the details before starting my project.