Storage Compliance Guide

Do I need approval to list my space?

It depends on what kind of space you're offering and the scale of the activity. Here's a quick guide:

• Residential garage or carport: Renting out a spare garage or carport for a single car, motorcycle, or small items is generally low-risk and unlikely to require council approval. However, check your lease or body corporate rules if applicable.
• Driveway or backyard: Storing a neighbour's boat or caravan on your driveway or yard is common in suburban Australia. For one or two vehicles this is typically fine, but some councils have rules about vehicles being visible from the street or stored on grass.
• Shed or workshop: Using a private shed to store someone else's equipment or vehicle is similar to garage sharing. At small scale it's usually fine; at larger scale it may be considered a commercial use.
• Rural paddock or yard (multiple vehicles): Storing trucks, trailers, or heavy equipment on a rural property is often more flexible, but regularly storing multiple vehicles for payment may be classified as a “transport depot” and require council consent.
• Commercial or industrial site: Vehicle and equipment storage is usually a permitted use in commercial/industrial zones, but you may still need to meet site-specific requirements around access, drainage, and screening.

Considerations by space type

Different types of space come with different considerations. Here's what to think about for each:

Strata, body corporate & HOA rules

If you live in an apartment, townhouse, or any property with shared governance, additional rules may apply:

• Check your by-laws: Many strata schemes have rules about how car spaces and garages can be used. Some prohibit renting car spaces to non-residents or storing items other than vehicles.
• Common property vs. lot property: You can generally only list space that is part of your individual lot. Common property (shared driveways, visitor parking) cannot be listed without body corporate approval.
• Security and access: Consider how a storer will access the space. Providing fob or key access to shared areas may breach building security rules. Discuss with your strata manager first.
• Insurance implications: Standard strata insurance may not cover third-party vehicles in your allocated space. Check your policy and consider additional cover.

Renters vs. property owners

Whether you can list a space depends on your relationship to the property:

Zoning considerations

Your property's zoning determines what activities are permitted. This matters most for larger-scale operations or commercial use. The zoning codes below use NSW terminology (e.g. R1/R2, RU1–RU4, IN1/IN2, B1–B7) as examples. Other states use different classification systems — check your specific state's planning portal below for the equivalent codes in your jurisdiction.

DA vs. CDC - what's the difference?

If council approval is required, there are two main pathways:

Common conditions councils may impose

These conditions typically apply to larger-scale or commercial storage operations, not to someone renting out a single garage:

• Screening: Fencing or landscaping to block the view of stored vehicles from public areas or neighbouring properties.
• Surface requirements: Hard-stand (concrete or bitumen) or gravel surface to prevent soil contamination and dust.
• Drainage: Stormwater management to prevent runoff from oils or fluids.
• Hours of operation: Restrictions on when vehicles can enter or leave, especially in residential-adjacent areas.
• Maximum number of vehicles: Some councils cap the number of vehicles based on lot size.
• Insurance: Public liability insurance may be required if accepting third-party vehicles or equipment.

Insurance considerations

Regardless of the type of space you're listing, insurance is important:

• Home/contents insurance: Most standard home insurance policies do not cover commercial activity. If you're earning income from storage, notify your insurer.
• Public liability: Consider public liability insurance to cover visitors and their property on your site. This is especially important for driveways, yards, and open spaces.
• Storer responsibility: Vehicle owners should maintain their own comprehensive insurance. StorageFinder does not provide insurance coverage for either party.

For detailed insurance guidance, see our Insurance Information page.

State-by-state planning overview

Planning frameworks differ by state. Here's a brief overview of the legislation governing land use in each jurisdiction:

Tips before you list

• Check your property's zoning on your local council's online mapping tool - it only takes a few minutes.
• If you're in a strata scheme, read your by-laws or ask your strata manager about renting out your car space or garage.
• If you're renting, get written permission from your landlord before listing any space.
• Call your council's duty planner (free) if you're unsure - they can usually answer questions on the spot.
• Start small (one vehicle or one space) to test demand before investing in formal approvals.
• Review your insurance - most home/contents policies do not cover commercial use. Consider public liability cover.
• Be a good neighbour - maintain the site, minimise noise, and communicate with adjacent property owners.