Owner Builder

Owner Builder Permits are only considered for works on a residential building.

Owner Builder Form
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Owner Builder Permits are only considered for works on a residential building. Permits will not be issued for any work on commercial buildings.

Farm shed (class 7) do not require an owner builder permit however if the structure is over 200m2, a building surveyor must be engaged and a Certificate of Likely Compliance issued. The definition of a farm shed is as follows:

  • Single storey class 7, 8 or 10 building located on land primarily used for farming that is:
    • Used in connection with farming; or
    • Used primarily to store one or more farm vehicles; or
    • A combination of the above; and
    • Occupied neither frequently nor for extended periods by people; and
    • In which the total number of persons accommodated at any time does not exceed 2

Smaller home projects i.e. sheds and outbuilding categorised as Low Risk Building Works do not require owner builder registration. Please refer to the Director’s Determination - Categories of Building and Demolition Work.

The Building Act 2016 further simplifies the building approvals process. A homeowner can build (without an Owner Builder Permit) the following:

  • a shed, garage or carport up to 18m2, or up to 36m2 if prefabricated.
  • a porch or veranda up to 9m2, or a deck up to 1m high
  • a temporary swimming pool up to 9m2 (only if a pool safety barrier has been installed by a builder and approved by a building surveyor)
  • perform maintenance or repairs on a dwelling using similar materials as those replaced.

Only two owner builder Class 1a projects are allowed in a ten-year period. However those two projects can include two entirely new dwellings.

Owner builders cannot keep performing more work on what they have already constructed. Each new building project must receive a new Owner Builder Permit.

The form must be completed by all title holders. Your engaged building surveyor will then complete section 4 before it can be lodged at Service Tasmania. Fees apply for lodgement.


More information can be found at Consumer, Building and Occupational Services Website

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