Home Shed/Workshop for a Hoist - Anybody Dealt with Council?

m0tyrider on 19/05/2025 - 12:32

I really want to put up a second garage (shed), something around 6x8 or 6x6, ideally 3.5m in height to fit in a car hoist.

Would be within whittlesea council in VIC, most likely on a block around 600-800sqm in residential areas.

Are these style sheds allowed?

I have no idea whats permitted and whats not, and the council give me answers like 'if its within regulations its OK' but finding the regulations and deciphering was another ball game.

I called some shed companies and they said in the areas we are looking to purchase a house, its most likely going to be denied than approved - again not really sure why and they didn't stipulate why.

Anybody have any advice for getting these structures installed without issues?
What things do I need to consider?

Home & Garden Garden Shed

Comments

  • SBOB on 19/05/2025 - 12:55
    +2

    second garage (shed), something around 6x8 or 6x6

    https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/Services/Building-planning…

    involving the erection of a shed more than 10 m2 in area.

    So you'll need a permit.

    I have no idea whats permitted and whats not

    Likely read the word document about sheds on their respective permit page and work out your councils required clearances, height/set back limits, and any minimum m2 ground areas.
    https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/Services/Building-planning…

  • pharkurnell on 19/05/2025 - 13:00
    +1

    When I had my 6x9mtr with twin 3.5 high sliding door shed built there were lots of 'interesting' rules..
    Like certain councils only allow certain colours or colour combos (wall/roof), shed sizes, shed door types, outside lighting, etc.. but the shed company knew all the in's and outs as they were local to my area and had dealt with the council many times…
    In the end, talking to the council the shed joint was spot on with the allows/not allowed… if they say more than likely not, I'd take that to the bank..

    but before giving up, go talk to the council, see what they say

  • Protractor on 19/05/2025 - 13:05

    Just write to the council again and say you intend to build a shed at X address (nominate estimated size and design ,eg concrete floor doors windows etc, colour (possibly) and ask for the specific guidelines and regulations . Make sure you stipulate it is not a commercial shed or intention.Maybe get the shed quote sussed and provided 1st so you have some details. Local govt employees are iron lung aspirants

  • oscargamer on 19/05/2025 - 13:09
    +1

    Do any of your local shed companies offer a "we do everything including permits"?

  • geekcohen on 19/05/2025 - 14:07

    You should only need the permit for the shed. The hoist has nothing to do with permits. What is in the shed is none of the council's business. Just deal with the permit for the shed.

    Just reinforce with extra concrete etc where the hoist is going to go. My neighbour has just built a new shed and plans to put a hoist in.

    • m0tyrider on 19/05/2025 - 15:14

      Spot on, was more so for reference to how large I wanted it height wise :)

      How far was his from the boundry? What area?

      • geekcohen on 20/05/2025 - 14:03

        6m wide, 12m wide. His closest areas from the boundary were 1.5m I think, whatever council regs are. He got the biggest shed he could in the space he has and all within council regs.

  • tenpercent on 19/05/2025 - 15:15
    -1

    Shouldn't even need a permit for a shed or a hoist for your own personal use on your own property. Nanny statism is strong.

    • m0tyrider on 19/05/2025 - 15:15

      Agree, but can see how if it was too large it may impact neighbors.

      • tenpercent on 19/05/2025 - 15:18
        -1

        it may impact neighbours

        How tall exactly are you wanting to build the shed?

        If it is going to impact them (shading?) you could ask them if they mind or care. Seems like the neighbourly thing to do.
        Then again would you do that if you were planting a tree in your yard that will eventually cause shade in your neighbours' yard?

        • m0tyrider on 19/05/2025 - 16:05

          Yeah fair point…Tree's don't need permits, so plant the tree first, the shed second :D

    • Protractor on 19/05/2025 - 15:20

      Yea nah. The last thing you need is DIY paper sheds blowing around in the next puff of wind.
      (I think) Some local govts have easier approval systems whereby if it's not attached to main resident the min standards are provided, you buils and then it's inspected or you sign off (incur responsiblity) or something like that. I dare say there's structure size goal posts involved,though.
      Me? I'd be happy to scrap local govt,period. Too many oxygen thieves

      • tenpercent on 19/05/2025 - 15:20

        scrap local govt,period. Too many oxygen thieves

        Agreed

    • JIMB0 on 19/05/2025 - 16:55

      Most councils allow 10 sqm and 3m high without a permit. This stops someone selfishly putting a high shed on their boundary and blocking out the neighbours sunlight.

    • SBOB on 19/05/2025 - 17:27

      So you'd be fine with someone just building the equivalent of a bunning size/height big green shed on the boundary in the backyard next to you?

      • tenpercent on 21/05/2025 - 20:16

        Oh no. You caught me out with an absurd hyperbolic example.

  • JIMB0 on 19/05/2025 - 16:01

    Isn't that a bushfire prone area? There's more regulations such as sealing off all penetrations.

    • m0tyrider on 19/05/2025 - 16:05

      Some parts are designated as bushfire prone.

  • Euphemistic on 19/05/2025 - 16:24

    Insusoect its going to exceed garden shed requirements so will move into detached garage requirements - whatever those are in your area.

    Maybe search your local council website for garage rather than shed.

  • GordonD on 19/05/2025 - 18:25

    Different councils, different numbers.

    Mine is that if its over 20 sq.m, or a span (length or wideth) exceeds 3 m, or the height exceeds 2.5 m or its closer than 0.9 m to a fence it requires approval. Basically anything bigger than a one car garage. Not even big enough for one of the larger SUVs.

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