If you’re planning to build a shed in Queensland, it might be tempting to skip the paperwork and just get it done. After all, it’s “just a shed,” right?
Well, not quite.
In Queensland, building a shed without council approval can land you in serious trouble—including fines, forced removal, and even legal issues.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly what happens if you skip council approval, how much it could cost you, and what you can do to fix things if you’ve already built something you shouldn’t have.
Do You Need Council Approval for a Shed in QLD?
Let’s start here: Not all sheds need council approval, but many do.
In Queensland, you may need council approval for your shed depending on:
- The size of the shed (floor area, height)
- The location (near property boundaries, flood zones, overlays)
- The purpose of the shed (storage vs. livable space)
- The local council’s planning scheme
For example, under the Building Regulation 2021, a shed is typically considered “exempt” from council approval if it is:
- Less than 10 square metres in floor area
- No more than 2.4 metres high
- Not built on protected land, near boundaries, or in a flood-prone area
But here’s the catch: Local councils have their own rules. So what’s allowed in Brisbane might not fly on the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast.
What Happens if You Build a Shed Without Council Approval?
Let’s say you built a shed and didn’t get approval.
What now?
Here’s what can happen:
1. You Could Be Fined
Councils in Queensland can issue on-the-spot fines or enforcement notices if they discover you’ve built a structure without proper approvals.
How much?
✅ Fines can range from $1,000 up to $12,000 or more depending on the severity and whether the structure poses a safety or environmental risk.
For example:
- Sunshine Coast Council may issue penalty notices for unlawful building work starting at $1,100+
- Gold Coast City Council may impose fines or order a retrospective approval process, which includes application fees, penalties, and engineering inspections.
2. You May Be Ordered to Demolish It
This one hurts.
If the shed breaches setback rules, is in a flood zone, or affects neighbors, the council can order you to remove the entire structure at your cost.
You won’t just lose your shed. You’ll also pay for:
- Demolition and clean-up
- Engineering reports
- Legal fees (if you contest the order)
3. It Can Impact Future Property Sales
If you ever decide to sell your home, your buyer’s solicitor will check if all structures on the property are council-approved.
If the shed wasn’t approved, you may face:
- Reduced property value
- Delays in settlement
- A buyer walking away from the deal
This is one of the biggest hidden risks of unapproved structures. You might not feel the impact now—but it could come back to bite you later.
4. Your Insurance Might Not Cover It
Many insurance companies in Queensland refuse to cover unapproved structures.
That means:
- If the shed collapses or catches fire, you’re on your own
- If someone gets injured in or around the shed, you may be personally liable
This is particularly important if the shed is used as a workshop or storage space for valuable tools or equipment.
👉 You can read more on this from the QLD Building and Construction Commission.
Common Scenarios We See at Rainbow Engineering
At Rainbow Engineering, we’ve helped dozens of Queensland homeowners deal with the aftermath of unapproved building work.
Some real examples:
- A homeowner built a 30m² shed without approval. When the neighbor complained, council issued a fine and required a retrospective structural inspection, which revealed footing issues.
- Another client had a shed on a sloped block, too close to a retaining wall. Council flagged it after drone imaging, and our team was brought in to assess safety risks and prepare reports for approval.
- A body corporate on the Gold Coast discovered several owners had installed garden sheds that breached fire separation rules. We worked with their committee to develop a compliant rectification plan.
💡 Don’t wait until you get a council letter. It’s far easier (and cheaper) to sort things out early.
What Should You Do if You’ve Already Built a Shed Without Approval?
Mistakes happen. The important thing is to act fast and professionally.
Step 1: Stop All Work Immediately
Don’t add anything new to the structure. Don’t pour more concrete. Don’t try to “hide it.”
Step 2: Speak to a Structural Engineer
Before approaching council, it’s best to get a professional to inspect your shed and assess whether it can be approved retrospectively.
That’s where Rainbow Engineering comes in.
We help property owners:
- Inspect and certify existing structures
- Prepare engineering drawings and reports
- Liaise with private certifiers and council
- Assist with retrospective building approval (formally called “building certifier engagement”)
We’ve saved clients thousands of dollars by identifying quick-fix compliance options before things escalate.
Step 3: Apply for Retrospective Approval
Once your engineer provides documentation, a private certifier can help you submit a formal application to the council for retrospective approval.
Note: You’ll still need to pay application fees and penalties, but it’s better than a demolition order.
How to Avoid Problems in the Future
- Always Check Local Rules First
Visit your local council website and search for “shed building approval.” Or speak with a certifier or engineer. - Engage Professionals Early
Whether it’s Rainbow or another local firm, get structural and compliance advice early. It’s a small cost that saves big. - Don’t Assume Size = Safety
Just because a shed looks small doesn’t mean it’s exempt. Position, footing design, and site conditions all matter.
Why Rainbow Engineering?
✅ We’re Local
We’ve worked with over 1000 clients across the Gold Coast, Logan, Brisbane, and beyond.
✅ We Speak Council’s Language
Our team knows exactly what local councils require and how to meet those standards.
✅ We Make It Simple
From inspections to reports and submissions—we handle it all, so you don’t have to chase ten different people.
If you’ve built a shed and aren’t sure where you stand, or if you’re planning one and want to get it right from day one—reach out to Rainbow Engineering today.
📞 Call us now on 0499 887 867
Quick FAQ
Q: Can I build a shed without council approval in QLD?
A: Only if it’s under 10m², under 2.4m high, and meets setback and overlay rules. Always check with your local council.
Q: What if I already built it without approval?
A: You could face fines or be asked to remove it. It’s best to get a structural assessment and apply for retrospective approval.
Q: How much are the fines?
A: Fines range from a few hundred to over $10,000 depending on your local council and the severity of the breach.
Q: Is retrospective approval guaranteed?
A: No, but a qualified engineer can assess whether it’s possible and advise on required upgrades.
Final Thoughts
Building a shed without council approval might seem like “no big deal,” but in Queensland, it can lead to big headaches—from fines to demolition orders to insurance issues.
But the good news? You don’t have to deal with it alone.
Rainbow Engineering is here to help with structural advice, council compliance, and retrospective approvals. Whether you’re fixing a mistake or planning a shed the right way—let’s get it sorted before it becomes a bigger issue.
👉 Need help? Call us at 0499 887 867
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