Sheds, Garages, and Workshops

Thinking of installing a shed, garage, or workshop on your property in the Shire of Narrogin? Most standalone structures like these require a building permit before they are installed, placed or constructed. Ensuring compliance with all relevant building, planning, and health requirements at the start will help avoid unnecessary delays in the approval process.

Do I Need a Building Permit?

A building permit is required for most standalone sheds, garages, and workshops.

However, you may be exempt if:

  • The shed is less than 10m² in area, and

  • The total height is not more than 2.4 metres

For example, a 3m x 3m garden shed typically meets these criteria.

⚠️ Important: The proximity of your proposed structure to effluent systems, easements, and property boundaries can significantly impact approval. Always consult the Shire’s Planning and Health teams before lodging your application.

What Do I Need to Apply?

To apply for a building permit, you must provide the following:

✅ Application Forms

  • Completed BA1 (Certified) or BA2 (Uncertified) form

  • All owners must be noted, and the builder section completed and signed

💰 Fees

📄 Documentation Checklist

1. Certificate of Design Compliance

Required only for certified applications (BA1)

2. Site Plan (Minimum Scale 1:200)

Must show:

  • Setbacks from all lot boundaries

  • Location of existing structures

  • Dimensions of the proposed shed/garage/workshop

  • Location and size of rainwater tanks or soak wells

  • Proximity to easements, effluent tanks, leach drains, or other health infrastructure

3. Floor Plan (Minimum Scale 1:100)

Must include:

  • Wall and room dimensions

  • Locations of doors and windows

4. Elevations (Minimum Scale 1:100)

Should detail:

  • Wall heights

  • External materials

  • Locations and sizes of doors and windows

5. Engineering Details

Must be signed by a structural engineer, showing:

  • Footing and slab design

  • Construction details

  • Tie-down/anchor details

🛠 Second-hand structures require a recent engineering report verifying suitability for installation at the proposed site.

Bushfire Prone Areas

If your property is within a designated bushfire prone area, additional requirements may apply:

  • Structures within 6 metres of a dwelling may need a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment

  • Check the DFES Bushfire Prone Areas Map to see if your property is affected

  • An existing BAL assessment (from the original dwelling) can be reused if it is less than 2 years old and has no expiry date

🔥 Depending on the BAL rating, additional construction measures may be required to reduce bushfire risk.

Do I Need Other Approvals?

Yes — possibly. Planning and Health approvals may be required before your building permit can be issued. These are often overlooked and are the leading cause of application delays.

🧠 Did you know? Around 80–90% of building permit applications are delayed because planning and health requirements weren’t considered during the design stage.

To avoid delays:

  • Speak to our Planning and Environmental Health teams before lodging your application

  • Ensure your design complies with setback requirements, land use zoning, and any health regulations

Need Help?

Our Building Services team is here to assist you through the process.

📞 Telephone: (08) 9890 0900
📧 Email: enquiries@narrogin.wa.gov.au