Exemptions from development and building approval may apply to certain roofed, enclosed or open on one side Class 10a buildings, provided they comply with relevant provisions of Regulations. Examples of roofed, enclosed or open on 1 side class 10a buildings include:

Exemptions from development approval

The development does not need development approval if it complies with relevant provisions of the Planning and Development Regulation 2008, Schedule 1. The following is a summary of the provisions and is correct as of the date the web page was last updated - scroll to the bottom of the web page to find this - however the Regulation's Schedule may been updated since then. In summary, the development is exempt provided that:

• the building is enclosed by a roof and has walls on every side, or every side except 1;
• it is not an external deck or external verandah;
• the maximum height is 3m above natural ground level;
• if the plan area is 10m² or less, it is behind the building line;
• if plan area is more than 10m², it is at least 15m from the block’s front boundary;
• if any part is within 1.5m of a side boundary or rear boundary of the block, it is the only class 10 building or structure (other than a boundary fence) that has any part of it that is within 1.5m of the boundary, or the 2nd exempt building or structure within boundary clearance area exemption applies;
• it complies with relevant general exemption criteria.

Please note that:

• if the block size is not more than 500m², a max plan area of 10m² applies;
• if the block size is 500m² to 600m², a max plan area of 25m² applies;
• if the block size is 600m² or more, a max plan area of 36m² applies; 

See definitions to understand the terms in italics.

Exemptions from building approval

The development does not building approval if it complies with relevant provisions of the Building (General) Regulation 2008, Schedule 1. The following is a summary of the provisions and is correct as of the date the web page was last updated - scroll to the bottom of the web page to find this - however the Regulation's Schedule may have been updated since then. In summary, the development is exempt provided that:

• it is a class 10a building (i.e garage, outbuilding or enclosed outbuilding) as identified in the exempt building code;
• it complies with the building code;
• the height not more than 3m;
• the roof or roof sail has a max plan area of 25m²
• if it has a floor, the floor level is not more than 1m above ground and the floor area is not more than 36m² (excluding areas underneath external walls);
• the frame unsupported span (including any cantilever) has a 6m maximum span ;
• timber elements of the roof framing have a maximum cross-sectional dimensions  of 100mm x 250mm or comply with the exempt building code;
• the steel element of roof framing for the structure has a maximum cross-sectional thickness of 4mm;
• no masonry, clay or concrete component of the structure (other than cement sheet product) is more than 1.8m above ground;
• it complies with exempt building code
• it will not affect the structural integrity of any part of a building for which a Certificate of Occupancy or other certificate under the Building Act 2004, part 5, has been issued;
• it will not affect a fire-rated wall, ceiling or floor;
• it will not affect a ventilation or air-handling system, fire protection system or other mechanical service;
• it will not affect a fire escape, emergency lift, stairway, exit or passageway to an exit;
• it will not affect the natural light of ventilation available to a building for which a certificate under the Act, part 5, has been issued;
• it will not affect the building in a way that reduces its compliance with the Building Code to a level that is less than the minimum requirements of the Code;
• it does not involve handling asbestos or disturbing friable asbestos (other than minor maintenance work, i.e. low-speed or hand-drilling, sealing, painting, coating if done personally by the owner or occupier of the premises).

No building approval, licence, notice, certifier, plans, inspections, certificates, required under the Building Act 2004, but design and construction standards do apply.