Do You Need Council Approval for a Garage in NSW?

4 July 2025

Adding a garage to your home in New South Wales can be the perfect way to safely store it overnight. You won't have to worry about it getting vandalised, damaged in harsh weather, or too hot for you to sit in comfortably during the summer. But before you can get to work constructing your perfect garage, you need to consider whether council approval will be needed.

Typically, there are specific regulations that you must meet when building. In some cases, a garage won't need council approval, and in others, it will. To complicate matters further, the rules and regulations can vary from council to council, making it tricky for you to know when approval is needed. We have broken down when approval is needed and the approval process to help you find out if your garage needs planning approval.

Garage Approvals in New South Wales

Some garages in New South Wales can be built without needing planning permission. Under the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), a garage can be built without formal council approval if it meets the following conditions:

• It is a single-storey structure

• It is set back 900m from property boundaries

• It is not taller than 3m

• It is smaller than 36 square meters

These garages are known as exempt developments, and if your garage plans meet these conditions, you can start construction without waiting for approval. You will need to double-check that there are no other criteria that you must meet for your local area and ensure that your garage is built in line with the National Construction Code (NCC). The NCC recommends that all garages include:

• Fire-resistant materials (when built near property lines)

• Structural integrity - with materials meeting guidelines for wind, seismic stability, and load-bearing capacity

• Stormwater drainage systems to prevent water damage

A builder can help you ensure that your garage will meet these criteria, but make sure to check with the NCC yourself to see if your garage requires additional safety features.

When is Council Approval Needed?

Typically, you will need council approval if your garage does not qualify for exempt development, as we outlined earlier. If your garage is larger than 36 square meters, taller than 3 meters, or is closer than 900 meters to your property line, chances are you will need council approval

Council approval might also be required depending on the zone in which you live. Each council has specific zoning regulations that can impact where a garage is built. You should check the local zoning maps with your council to see which regulations will apply to you. Typically, zoning requirements can include:

• If a garage is allowed in the zoning category for your land

• Height restrictions

• Setback distances from boundaries

These regulations might mean you require council approval to build a garage on your property, so check them carefully to avoid any complications.

Stricter regulations can also apply if you live in a heritage or conservation area. There will be requirements that require your garage or any building work to complement the existing architectural style of the neighbourhood. This doesn't mean a garage is out of the question, but you might need to spend time considering the design of your garage and submitting a heritage impact statement as part of your application. You can check with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage to see if this applies to you.

How to Apply for Council Approval to Build a Garage in New South Wales

The approval process for building a garage in New South Wales is a little complex, as there are two routes you can choose from. We have outlined each option and how you can secure approval to help you see which is best for you and your garage.

Development Application

Your first choice is a development application (DA), which should be used if your garage does not qualify as an exempt development. To apply for a DA, you can follow the steps below:

Step 1 - Speak to Your Local Council

Start by speaking with your local council to see what specific regulations your garage must meet and if your garage would be exempt from a planning application. Your local council can offer you guidance on whether you need to have a specific height or distance from boundary lines that could cause you to require council approval.

Step 2 - Prepare Your Plans and Documents

When you have determined that council approval to build a garage is needed, you will need to prepare all of your documents and plans for your application. The information that you need to provide can vary, but typically, you will need to include plans, details about the structure, and environmental impact statements. Make sure that you have everything you need before completing your application, as this prevents any delays.

Step 3 - Submit Your Application

Your DA can be submitted online, including all the plans and documents that you need to send. There can be fees that you need to pay when you submit your application, and these must be paid in full before your application is considered.

Step 4 - Council Assessment

Your local council will carry out the assessment, ensuring that your plan not only meets their regulations but is up to regional standards. This process can take between a few days and weeks, depending on how complex your application is and whether any adjustments need to be made. Once a decision is made, you will be informed and can begin to construct your garage (if your plan is accepted).

Complying Development Certificate

Your second option is a complying development certificate (CDC), which is a faster option if your garage meets the standards for Complying Development. This process usually covers the following:

• Building standards for materials and finishes

• Height and setback limits

• Stormwater management

Before moving ahead with this type of application, we recommend checking to see if a CDC is the right option for you. More information can be found on the NSW Government Building Codes website.

You can follow the steps below to apply for a CDC:

Step 1 - Check with Your Council

Before you apply for a CDC, we recommend checking to ensure that it's the right option for your property. You can do this through your local council, which can advise on the right application that you need to submit.

Step 2 - Prepare Your Documents

You will need to send proposed plans as part of your application so that the council can see whether your garage is suitable or not. You will likely need to include plans, environmental impacts, and any other important details about the garage. You should double-check before submitting your application what information they need, as missing information can slow down the application process.

Step 3 - Submit Your Application

Your CDC should be submitted to local councils or private certifiers. You can check with your council to see where you need to submit yours. Once you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for a decision to be made.

Step 4 - Assessment

Your CDC will be reviewed by local councils or private certifiers to determine if your garage is suitable for construction. This can take between a few days to several weeks, depending on how complex your plans are and the regulations it must meet in your area.

You will be told the outcome, and if the application is successful, you can start work. If not, you will be given guidance on what must be adjusted before resubmitting the application.

What Happens if I Build a Garage Without Council Approval?

If your garage needed approval and you built it without council approval, then you might be charged a fine. Councils can fine you for building a garage without approval, and you might be required to demolish it. Your local council might also ask you to make changes to the garage if what you have built does not meet their regulations.

When this happens, you will be expected to pay for it yourself, increasing the cost of your garage. You might also be asked to resubmit an application for approval, costing you more money. It is best to avoid this and seek approval before building your garage.

When you are building a garage that does not require council approval, you should still ensure that it meets building regulation codes. If the council find that you have not met building codes, you can be fined or asked to make the changes to ensure that your building is safe. The building regulations code exists to ensure your safety and the safety of your neighbours and others, so make sure your garage is made to code.

Start Planning Your Dream Garage Today

Your dream garage is closer than you think! While you do need to check whether you need a building permit before starting, you, too, can enjoy a steel garage on your property. Take a look at our Shed designing tool to see what your garage could look like. Do you already have a design in mind? Contact us to see how we can bring your garage to life.