Sheds, shipping containers and tents

Building a backyard shed is usually a straightforward process. In some cases, you may not need a development approval. Sheds that don’t need approval must still follow building legislation and codes.

There are three factors that determine if you need approval:

• shed size
• shed location
• shed structure.

If your property is Heritage-listed or in a Neighbourhood Character Area, there may be other requirements. For more information, see the Register of Heritage and Neighbourhood Character Places.

Shed size

You don’t need a building approval for the shed if the following applies:

• area is less than 10m²
• mean height of a wall on a boundary is less than 2.1m
• overall height is no more than 2.4m
• side is no longer than 5m.

To calculate the mean height, divide the total area of the wall by the horizontal length of the wall.

If your shed doesn’t meet this criteria, you need to apply for a building approval. A licenced building certifier can help you lodge this application to us.

Shed location

Siting and setbacks

The location of the shed on your property must be in line with the siting and setback requirements of the Queensland Development Code (QDC). There are different requirements for lots under and over 450m².

In some instances, the Toowoomba Regional Planning Scheme (the Planning Scheme) may provide alternative building requirements. These can include:

• different setbacks for outbuildings in a Rural Zone
• alternative site coverage requirements in a Rural Residential Zone.

If you can’t meet the setback requirements, you need to apply for a siting discretion. You also need building approval.

For more information, see Building near a boundary.

Near or over Council infrastructure

Your shed must be clear of Council infrastructure. This includes water, sewer or stormwater services.

Use our online mapping service to check for underground services running through your property. Call us on 131 872 and ask for the:

• house drainage plan (for a fee)
• land application area, where applicable.

These can help determine the exact location of services.

If the proposed shed is over or near infrastructure, you must submit a plumbing application.

To find out more about these requirements, see QDC mandatory part (MP) 1.4.

Shed structure

You need to ensure the shed meets the structural requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA). These include:

• structural adequacy
• fire separation
• general health and amenity.

Your shed must be in line with all relevant codes and standards, even if you don’t need a building approval.

Talk to a licenced building certifier if you have any questions about the BCA requirements.

For guidelines on adding to a State or Local Heritage property, see Heritage carports and garages.

People often use shipping containers for extra storage on their property. This can be on a temporary or permanent basis.

Shipping containers are classed in the same 10a category as:

• sheds
• garages
• carports
• other outbuildings.

This is in line with the Planning Regulation 2017 (Qld) and Building Regulation 2021 (Qld).

They’re generally considered assessable development due to their size. This means you need a development approval before you can put the container on site, even if it’s only for a short time.

Shipping container location

Siting and setbacks

The location of the container must be in line with the siting and setback requirements of the Queensland Development Code (QDC). There are different requirements for lots under and over 450m².

In some instances, the Planning Scheme may provide alternative building requirements. These can include:

• different setbacks for outbuildings in a Rural Zone
• alternative site coverage requirements in a Rural Residential Zone.

If you can’t meet the setback requirements, you need to apply for a siting discretion.

For more information, see Building near a boundary.

Near or over Council infrastructure

The shipping container must be clear of Council infrastructure. This includes water, sewer or stormwater services.

Use our online mapping service to check for underground services running through your property. You can also call us on 131 872 and ask for the:

• house drainage plan (for a fee)
• land application area, where applicable.

These can help determine the exact location of services.

If the proposed container is over or near infrastructure, you must submit a plumbing application.

To find out more about these requirements, see QDC mandatory part (MP) 1.4.

Shipping container on-site requirements

Once the shipping container is on site, there are a few more requirements to meet.

1. Install a roof structure and guttering system, in line with BCA and Council requirements. This will stop stormwater pooling on the roof and pouring onto neighbouring properties.
2. Seal the base of the container to stop vermin nesting underneath.
3. Paint the outside of the container. If the external finish is already durable, this step may be optional.
4. For safety reasons, install a window in the container to prevent locking yourself in.

Tents and marquees are temporary structures:

• clad in canvas, plastic or similar material
• with or without walls
• supported by poles or similar supports
• secured to the ground using ropes, pegs or ballast
• on site for no more than four weeks.

Tents are generally accepted development, subject to requirements.

When you don’t need approval for a tent

For a tent to be deemed accepted development and not need a building approval, it must:

• have a floor area of less than 500m²
• be in line with the BCA
• meet the requirements of the QDC (MP) 3.2.

When you do need approval for a tent

You need a commercial building approval if your tent has a floor area larger than 500m².

You also need a referral to the Queensland Fire Department for advice on the fire safety systems you need for the tent.

You may need other approvals from us or other government agencies.

Talk to a licenced building certifier to find out application requirements.

You can lodge an application through a licensed building certifier. They'll take you through the application requirements.

You can also lodge an application with us, either:

• online (preferred)
• by email
• in person.

Supporting documents

Provide as much detail as possible in your application, including supporting reasons for your request.

To find out what documents you need to build a shed, see the Garden shed class 10 checklist(PDF, 127KB).

If you're applying for a shipping container, you must provide the following:

1. A site plan showing:

• the size of the container
• its location on site in relation to all other buildings on the property and at least two boundary lines.

2. Structural details of the container. This includes a Form 15 Design Certificate from a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) for a footing or slab design that can:

• anchor the container
• support the combined weight of the container and its contents.

For more advice on how to complete the application form, see the DA form guide: Forms 1 and 2.

Apply online (preferred)

• Go to the online customer service portal.
• Register an account per business or person to track your application’s progress.
• Complete the online application form: DA Form 2.
• Complete the online checklist if applying for a shed.
• Provide the required documents.
• Pay the application fee in line with our fees and charges.

For more information about using the portal, see Development application process.

Apply by email

• Complete the application form: DA Form 2. 
• Complete the checklist if applying for a shed(PDF, 127KB).
• Provide the required documents.
• Send your completed application to development@tr.qld.gov.au.
• We’ll send you a request for payment in line with our fees and charges.

Apply in person

• Print and complete the application form: DA Form 2.
• Print and complete the checklist if applying for a shed(PDF, 127KB).
• Gather the required documents.
• Apply in person at your local Customer Service Centre.
• Pay the application fee in line with our fees and charges.

Assessing your application

After you submit your application, we'll do a site inspection of the property.

We'll assess the proposal in your application and advise you of the outcome.

You must have all necessary approvals in place before starting any work.