As of 15 January 2026, new rules have come into effect that make it easier to build certain granny flats in New Zealand. While this is great news for many homeowners, it’s important to understand that these changes come with specific conditions and responsibilities.
At Longview Homes, we believe in keeping our clients informed so there are no surprises during — or after — the build. Here’s what you need to know before you start planning.
What’s changed?
A new building consent exemption now applies to some granny flats. Under the updated rules, it may be possible to build a single-storey, standalone granny flat up to 70 square metres without a building consent — as long as all exemption criteria are met.
This change is intended to simplify the process for smaller dwellings, but it does not mean “no rules” or “DIY-friendly.” Careful planning and professional oversight are still essential.
When does the building consent exemption apply?
To qualify for the exemption, every requirement below must be met:
• The granny flat must be simple in design and fully compliant with the New Zealand Building Code
• The homeowner must notify the local council before construction begins and again once the build is completed
• A Project Information Memorandum (PIM) must be obtained before any building work starts
• All work must be carried out or supervised by Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs)
• Once the build is complete, the following documentation must be provided to council:
o Final planso Records of Work (RoW)
o Certificates of compliance
If any one of these conditions isn’t met, a full building consent will still be required.
What about resource consent?
The building consent exemption sits alongside new planning rules known as the National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units (NES-DMRU), which also came into effect on 15 January 2026.
These standards may allow some granny flats to be built without resource consent, provided all permitted activity criteria are met.
However, it’s important to understand:
• Building consent and resource consent are completely separate
• A project may qualify for one exemption but not the other
• Each site and design must be assessed individually
This is where experienced guidance can make a big difference.
What does this mean for homeowners?
These changes open up exciting opportunities — whether you’re planning accommodation for family, future-proofing your property, or exploring rental options. But they also place greater responsibility on homeowners and builders to get it right from the start. Using the exemption incorrectly can lead to compliance issues, delays, and unexpected costs down the track.
At Longview Homes, we help our clients navigate these rules with confidence. We’ll:
• Assess whether your project qualifies for any exemptions
• Explain your consent obligations clearly
• Ensure your build is fully compliant, documented, and future-ready
Because a smoother build always starts with clear advice and solid planning.
Thinking about building a granny flat?If you’re considering a granny flat or minor dwelling, we’re happy to talk through your options and help you choose the safest and most cost-effective approach.
Get in touch with Longview Homes for trusted, local advice and a clear path forward.
✔ Granny Flat Building Consent Exemption
Design Conditions Checklist (2026)
Use this checklist to see whether your proposed granny flat may qualify for the building consent exemption. If any box cannot be ticked, a building consent will still be required.
1. Basic Building Requirements
☐ New build only (not an alteration, extension, or conversion)
☐ Single storey only (no mezzanine or second level)
☐ Standalone and fully detached from all other buildings
☐ Self-contained dwelling
☐ Designed for one household or family
☐ Fully compliant with the New Zealand Building Code
2. Size, Height & Location
☐ Total floor area is 70m² or less
☐ Floor level is no more than 1m above ground level
☐ Maximum building height is 4m or less
☐ Building is at least 2m from boundaries and other residential buildings
☐ Building does not cross allotment boundaries
3. Structure & Materials
☐ Structural framing is timber or light steel
☐ Roof cladding is lightweight (≤ 20kg/m²)
☐ Wall cladding is lightweight (≤ 220kg/m²)
4. Water Supply☐ Connected to council (network) water supply
OR
☐ Connected to an approved on-site water system (only where network supply is not
available)
5. Stormwater (Surface Water)
☐ Connected to council (network) stormwater system
OR
☐ Connected to an approved on-site stormwater system
6. Wastewater (Foul Water)
☐ Connected to council (network) sewer system
OR
☐ Connected to an approved on-site wastewater system
7. Plumbing & Drainage Design
☐ Total plumbing fixture units do not exceed 30
☐ No pumped plumbing systems inside the building
☐ Main drain is DN100 minimum with at least 1:60 fall
☐ Branch drains are DN65 minimum with at least 1:40 fall
☐ Upstream vents are DN65 minimum
☐ No uncontrolled water heating systems
8. Power, Gas & Heating
☐ Independent electricity supply (separate from the main dwelling)
☐ Independent gas supply (if gas is used)
☐ Heating is electric or gas only
☐ No solid fuel heaters (e.g. wood burners)
9. Professional & Council Requirements
☐ Project Information Memorandum (PIM) obtained before building starts
☐ Council notified before construction begins
☐ All work carried out or supervised by Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs)☐ Council notified once construction is completed
☐ Final documentation provided to council, including:
• Final plans
• Records of Work (RoW)
• Certificates of compliance
Important Note
✔ Building consent and resource consent are separate processes
✔ Your project may qualify for one exemption but not the other
✔ Each site and design must be assessed individually
Using the exemption incorrectly can create compliance risks and costly issues later.
Need help checking this properly?
At Longview Homes, we guide homeowners through this checklist step by step — ensuring everything is done correctly, compliantly, and with no surprises.
Talk to us before you build.
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