New building consent exemptions
3 September 2020
From 31 August 2020, some smaller building projects in both urban and rural settings no longer need a building consent.
Non-consented building work changes include:
- Single-storey detached buildings such as sleepouts, sheds and greenhouses (up to 30 square metres)
- Carports (up to 40 square metres)
- Ground-floor awnings, verandahs and porches (up to 30 square metres).
Ground-mounted solar panel arrays, permanent outdoor fireplaces or ovens, flexible water storage bladders for irrigation and firefighting purposes, short-span (small) bridges, small water pipe supporting structures on private land, rural hay barns and pole sheds are also included.
There are still rules to be followed to ensure homes and buildings are safe and sound.
- For some work, homeowners need to hire the right professional (an authorised plumber, for example).
- Every building project still needs to adhere to the Building Code and other relevant laws. No consent doesn’t mean no rules. It's worth completing MBIE's new online modules to make sure you understand and comply with Building Code requirements. Find them HERE
Take a look at building.govt.nz/buildit to find out which building projects don’t need building consent, and details for each type of non-consented building project.
No single formula can be applied across all building types so check the website for the detail.
Updated exemptions guidance
MBIE has updated its homeowner and trade sector guidance to building work that does not require a building consent under the Building Act 2004. Find the updated guidance HERE
