| By :
Eva Judge
Sheds can come in handy in a number of ways. Most people use sheds to store tools and other outdoor items. That way, their yards aren't littered with unsightly things. A shed can help you stay a lot more organised and can keep your property looking neat and tidy. If you've been thinking about building a shed, though, you should familiarise yourself with some basics about building approvals and planning approvals first. Each time you purchase a new property, a building and pest inspection should provide you with a piece of mind that the property is up to code. Indeed, it is well worth your while to have building inspectors look your shed over, to ensure that it's not at odds with local ordinances - and that it's structurally sound. While an inspector can double-check everything for you, it never hurts to have a basic understanding about what the law has to say. The information below contains basic information about building and planning approvals. Building Approvals - You don't always need a building approval in order to build a shed. If your shed meets the following criteria, you should be good to go: - It is no more than 5 metres in length - It has an area that's no greater than 10 square meters - It is no more than 2.4 meters high, with an average mean height of no more than 2.1 meters Keep in mind that all of the preceding points must be met in order to proceed without a building approval. You may be wondering what a building approval entails. Basically, it is used to confirm that a shed is structurally sound. In the event a building approval is required, an accredited certifier needs to examine shed to determine its structural integrity to confirm that it complies with the Building Code of Australia. Planning Approvals - There are a few more gray areas involved when it comes to planning approvals. For the most part, a planning approval is conducted by the city council and is based on the City Plan. It is used to ensure that a structure fits in well with the locality and that it doesn't offend or bother your neighbours. Several things can affect whether or not you will need a planning approval: - If your property is or isn't included in a Demolition Control Precinct, or DCP - The precise location of your property - If your property is or isn't exempt from City Plan regulations - If your property is on a small lot Since you'd probably like to stay on a positive note with your neighbours, it's smart to make sure that your shed won't run afoul of any local codes or ordinances. Better still, let your neighbours know about your planned shed and see what they think.
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