Do I need a building consent for a granny flat in NZ?
Short answer
Recent law changes let you build a standalone, single-storey granny flat up to 70m² without a full building consent — if it meets the Building Code, is designed and built (or supervised) by Licensed Building Practitioners, meets boundary and height limits, and you first obtain a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) from your council. Larger or non-complying dwellings still need consent.
Key facts
- Up to 70m², single-storey, standalone: may be consent-exempt
- Must be designed and built/supervised by Licensed Building Practitioners
- You must obtain a PIM from the council first
- Must meet the Building Code, boundary setbacks and height limits
- Larger or two-storey dwellings still need a building consent
The 70m² exemption
A Schedule 1A exemption allows a standalone single-storey dwelling up to 70m² to be built without a full building consent. It's designed to make small secondary dwellings faster and cheaper to add.
These rules have been changing through 2025–2026, so confirm the current detail with your council before you rely on the exemption.
Conditions you must meet
The exemption only applies if:
- The dwelling is single-storey and 70m² or less
- It's designed and built or supervised by Licensed Building Practitioners
- You obtain a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) from the council first
- It meets the Building Code, boundary setbacks and maximum height
It's not 'build whatever you like'
Exempt from consent is not exempt from the rules. The build must still meet the Building Code, and you'll want full records (LBP design and build records) for resale and insurance. Get professional advice before starting.
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Related questions
Sources: Building Performance (building.govt.nz) — Schedule 1A / granny flat exemption; LBP — new building consent exemptions. General information for NZ homeowners, not legal advice — building rules change and vary by council, so confirm critical details on the official source before acting. Last updated 2026-05.