Living in a shed may sound like a quick, cost-effective housing solution, especially if you’re in sunny Queensland. However, before making this choice, it’s crucial to understand the council regulations for living in a shed. These regulations are designed to maintain the quality of life in our communities and ensure that any structure is safe for habitation.

Cyclone vs. Non-Cyclone Areas

Queensland’s diverse climate means that building regulations differ based on your location. In cyclone-prone areas, such as those along the northern coast, sheds must meet higher standards to withstand extreme weather. This includes more robust structural requirements and enhanced anchoring systems to prevent damage during storms. In contrast, non-cyclone areas have slightly more lenient requirements, although safety and compliance are still paramount.

In terms of living in a shed, you’ll see that Mackay Regional Council starts off with a straight up “no”. However, if you obtain a “temporary home permit”, you can get permission to live in a shed.

In Queensland, while the regulations may differ slightly between locations, we can use a few examples to understand what the rules are.

Understanding the Regulations for Living in a Shed

Regulations for Sheds in Bundaberg

If you're planning to build a shed in Bundaberg or another council area, the first place to start is your local council. The council's rules cover aspects like the location and design of your shed. These requirements are applicable if your land is in the Low Density Residential Zone or the Rural Residential Zone. If your property is in a different zone, contact the council to understand the relevant rules.

When building a shed, it's essential to consider setbacks - an official term rather than things not going as planned. The front setback depends on factors like the design of the carport or garage, the lot size, and the prevailing setback on the street. Additionally, side and rear setbacks are usually required to be 1.5 meters but can vary based on the height and length of the structure. For sheds located on a corner site, you should keep them outside a 9m x 9m area from the corner. Rectangular sites with a smaller frontage, less than 15 meters, may have lesser setback requirements.

If you plan to live in your shed while building your house, you need a temporary occupancy permit or need to construct the shed as a Class 1a building. The latter entails additional design and material requirements to make the shed habitable, such as installing smoke detectors, insulation, and other necessary amenities.

So can you live in a shed? Yes, if you have a temporary occupancy permit or your shed is a Class 1a building.

If you want to place a shipping container on your property in Bundaberg, the rules are different based on your zoning. In the Low Density Residential Zone, shipping containers are generally not supported, whereas in the Rural Residential Zone, you can have one container if it is approved by the council, is located behind the dwelling, and is screened from view. These regulations help maintain the aesthetic quality of neighbourhoods.

Regulations for Sheds in Hervey Bay

In Hervey Bay, the situation is quite similar. The Fraser Coast Regional Council states that sheds, classified as Class 10a buildings, cannot be used for residential purposes without council approval. If you plan to use your shed for living, you need to upgrade it to a Class 1a dwelling, which requires meeting specific building and plumbing standards.

The process for converting a shed into a dwelling typically involves getting a building approval from a private building certifier and a plumbing compliance permit from the council. The certifier will review elements like architectural plans, energy efficiency, structural integrity, and other requirements. This process ensures that your shed meets the standards for residential occupancy and aligns with local building codes.

Additionally, consider potential impacts on state interests like coastal areas or state infrastructure, which may require assessment by the State Assessment Referral Agency (SARA). This is crucial for ensuring your sheds Hervey Bay project aligns with broader regional and state planning goals.

Navigating the Process

Building Approvals

To change the classification of a shed from Class 10a to Class 1a, you typically need two approvals:

1. A building approval from a private building certifier

2. A plumbing compliance permit from the council.

The building certifier will guide you on what documentation is necessary, which usually includes plans, assessments, and structural designs. The process might seem intricate, but it ensures that your shed meets the necessary safety and building standards.

Temporary Living in a Shed

If you’re considering living in your shed temporarily while building your dream home, it's important to note that sheds are not ideal long-term solutions. They may lack comfort and be challenging to seal against elements like insects and vermin.

The council permits temporary living in a shed while a house is being built through a "Temporary Home Permit," but this is a short-term solution and not suitable for permanent residence.

Looking for a longer-term solution? Instead, consider building a small, minimalistic house that can later be converted into a studio or shed by removing specific fixtures, such as the kitchen sink.

How Long Does a Temporary Occupancy Permit Last?

This can depend on your council area but it’s common for the temporary occupancy permit to last between 18 and 24 months.

Summary

Can you live in a shed?

Yes, if you can obtain permission from council with a temporary occupancy permit or have a Class 1a structure.

However, you can’t live in a shed indefinitely.

Living in a shed might seem like a straightforward solution, but understanding the council regulations for living in a shed in Queensland is vital. The rules ensure safety and align with local building standards.

Whether you’re building a shed in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay or in the tropics, following these regulations will ensure a smooth and lawful experience. With proper planning and adherence to the regulations, you can enjoy the benefits of a temporary living space while building your dream home, and later on, you can repurpose your shed as desired.

Getting ready to build? Try our shed creator to design your perfect shed!