Hi all, I was planning an obs around 6m x 3m to allow two piers and a semi enclosed area for a desk etc.
Looking at the council regs for sheds you can only go 10sqm before approval. Looking into it you have to engage a certifier to do the approvals. Quote I have is for $762 up front, then depending on the circumstances it goes up from there. On top of that they require engineering drawings, plans of block etc etc to be provided to them so they can do their assessment.
I think a limit of just 10sqm is a bit small to require approval, particularly since it is a semi rural area and my block is 1.3 acres.
I am now thinking about going to one pier and something about 2.8m x 3.5m and just putting a little desk in a corner unless anyone has any bright ideas.
Look into the exempt development requirements, in NSW a small structure less than 3 metres high does not require council approval. Local councils will still take your money and go through the same process if it was a big building - but legally under the state planning guidelines no approval is required. In checking, in NSW a building of up to 50sq metres could go on your block on the exempt development guidelines, 20sq M for small blocks.
I just did a search and exempt development also applies in Qld, suggest you search. Brisbane council has it on their website. A small obs is no different to a garage, shed, etc in residential project terms.
I had my 6m x3m properly approved, it just required engineers drawings which I was able to get done through a friend for free, so can't vouch for the cost.
My roll-off-roof is 6mx3m with 3mx3m being open and the other 3mx3m being enclosed.
I have often considered two piers in the open half and have come to the conclusion 4mx4m would be the minimum comfortable for that. I don't think I could do it in my 3mx3m and still have good clearance from the walls to ensure reasonable horizon limits.
I wouldn't skimp on the size if you can afford it, it's much harder to renovate later rather than just build the right thing you need upfront and grow in to it. I'm very glad of my 3mx3m internal portion for PC's and gear storage and maintenance.
Thanks for the tip, I have read up, unfortunately sheds are not included in the exempt category once they go over 10sqm. Bugger. I guess I could build two side by side!
