A Class 10a building is a non-habitable structure, meaning it’s not designed for people to live in. Under the National Construction Code (NCC), this classification covers private garages, carports, sheds, and similar structures. If you’ve ever built or planned to build a shed or garage at home, you’ve been dealing with a Class 10a building whether you knew it or not.
This guide covers exactly what falls under Class 10a, how it sits within the broader NCC building classification system, what approvals you might need, and how tradespeople are involved in building these structures.
How building classifications work in Australia
Australia’s National Construction Code groups every building by its purpose and intended use, assigning each a classification from Class 1 through to Class 10. These classifications determine the minimum standards a building must meet, covering things like structural requirements, fire safety, and energy efficiency.
Class 10 covers non-habitable buildings and structures, and it breaks down into three sub-classifications:
- Class 10a: non-habitable buildings such as private garages, carports and sheds.
- Class 10b: structures like fences, masts, antennas, retaining walls and swimming pools.
- Class 10c: private bushfire shelters associated with a Class 1a (residential) building.
Class 10a is the most commonly encountered of the three, particularly in residential construction.
How building classifications work in Australia
The NCC defines Class 10a as a non-habitable building including a private garage, carport, shed, or similar structure. Common examples include:
- Domestic garages (up to 3 vehicle spaces in a single storey)
- Carports attached to or separate from a house
- Garden sheds and storage sheds
- Greenhouses and gazebos
- Farm sheds used to store a single tractor or basic equipment
One thing worth knowing: the classification depends on how a structure is actually used, not just what it looks like. A farm shed used to store a tractor may qualify as Class 10a, but a large shed where multiple pieces of machinery are regularly serviced by employees could shift to Class 7a or Class 8, commercial classifications with stricter requirements.
You also can’t use a Class 10a building as a home. Living in a shed or garage without proper approval is not permitted under the NCC. Converting a Class 10a structure to a habitable dwelling (Class 1a) requires a separate building approval and must meet significantly different standards for things like insulation, plumbing, smoke alarms, and energy efficiency.
Do you need a building permit for a Class 10a structure?
This depends on the size of the structure, where it’s located on the property, and which state or territory you’re in. Rules vary across Australia, so it’s always worth checking with your local council or a licensed building certifier before you start.
As a general guide:
- Queensland: Under the Building Regulation 2021 and Queensland Development Code, sheds under 10m² and no more than 2.4m high may qualify as “accepted development” with no building approval needed, provided setback and structural requirements are met. Council planning schemes vary, so check with your local council or a private building certifier.
- Victoria: Under Schedule 3 of the Building Regulations 2018, a freestanding Class 10a building is permit-exempt if it’s no more than 10m², no more than 3m high (or 2.4m within 1m of a boundary), non-masonry, and meets setback requirements. Heritage overlay areas may still require a planning permit.
- New South Wales: Under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008, Class 10a sheds can generally be built without approval if they’re no more than 20m² in residential zones (up to 50m² in rural zones), no more than 3m high, and set back at least 900mm from boundaries. Full criteria are on the NSW Planning Portal.
- Western Australia: Most Class 10a structures require a Building Permit issued by a building surveyor. Small structures under 10m² may be exempt, but local council rules and wind region requirements vary.
Regardless of whether a permit is needed, your building still has to comply with the NCC’s structural and safety requirements.
If you’re looking to take on Class 10a work professionally, you’ll also need to understand your state’s licensing requirements. Our guide to getting a builders licence in Australia covers what’s involved across different states and qualification levels.
What are Class 10a buildings made from?
Class 10a structures are typically built using timber, steel, or a combination of both, with concrete used for slabs and foundations.
Timber is common in residential sheds and garages, particularly for framing. It’s cost-effective and relatively easy to work with. Timber used for structural purposes in Class 1 and Class 10 buildings must comply with Australian Standard AS 1684.
Steel is widely used for larger sheds, carports and rural structures. It handles Australian weather conditions well and is resistant to pests like termites, a real advantage in many parts of QLD and WA.
Concrete is the standard for foundations and slab floors, providing a stable, durable base.
If your Class 10a building is in a bushfire-prone area, the materials used and the overall construction must comply with Australian Standard AS 3959, which sets out bushfire attack level (BAL) requirements. This can affect what cladding and framing materials are acceptable.
Who builds Class 10a structures?
Depending on the complexity of the build, Class 10a structures are typically constructed by carpenters, concreters, and in some cases bricklayers, often working together on the one project.
A carpenter frames the structure and installs roofing and cladding. A concreter lays and finishes the slab. If masonry walls are involved, a bricklayer handles that part of the work.
For anyone considering a trade career, building and construction qualifications open the door to exactly this kind of work. Carpenters earn their Certificate III in Carpentry (CPC30220), which covers residential construction including Class 1 and Class 10 buildings. Bricklayers complete the Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying (CPC33020), and concreters complete the Certificate III in Concreting (CPC30320).
Most people enter the trade through an apprenticeship, where you work for an employer and train at the same time. You can find out more about how construction apprenticeships work and what to expect.
Already working in the building industry?
If you’ve been building sheds, garages, or other structures for years without a formal qualification, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) lets you turn that experience into a nationally recognised credential. Rather than completing a full course, your existing skills and knowledge are assessed against the qualification standard.
Everthought Education offers RPL for a range of building and construction qualifications. Find out more on our RPL page.
