New Granny Flat building consent exemption now in effect

Published on 21 January 2026

A garden house.

From 15 January 2026, homeowners can take advantage of a new granny flat building consent exemption, making it easier to build small, standalone dwellings on their property.

Under this exemption, certain single-storey, detached units up to 70 square metres can be built without a building consent, provided all conditions are met.

To qualify for the exemption, homeowners must ensure:

1️⃣: The design is simple and complies with the Building Code.

2️⃣: The local council is notified before construction begins and again once the build is complete.

3️⃣: The work is carried out or supervised by licensed building professionals.

4️⃣: All exemption conditions are fully met.

Homeowners must also apply for and receive a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) from council before starting any building work. After completion, documentation such as final plans, Records of Work, and compliance certificates must be provided to council.

Guidance and Resources

Comprehensive guidance is available from Building Performance to help homeowners understand their obligations.

These resources explain:

  • How the exemption works.

  • Responsibilities and considerations for homeowners.

  • The importance of using licensed building professionals.

 

For more information, visit:

Granny Flats Exemption - WDC Page - Consents and PIMs | Waitaki District Council

Granny Flats Exemption Guidance - Building Performance Page - Granny flats exemption: Guidance and resources | Building Performance

National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units (DMRU) – Building Performance Page - National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units 2025 | Ministry for the Environment

 

Will I need a Resource Consent or to comply with the District Plan?

Potentially yes you will need resource consent, unless you can comply. In summary, one DMRU per site is allowed where the same site also contains a principal residential unit and the DMRU is detached from this unit.

 

The DMRU must comply with both the National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units (NES-DMRU) and the District Plan standards where these are relevant, such as stormwater.

 

Please note: Development contributions may apply to your project.

 

 

 

 

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