Exemption for granny flats: MBIE Building Consent Exemption for granny flats / small standalone dwellings.
We have prepared an easy to read, handy exemption for granny flats check list to see if you require a building consent or just need to notify council.
Source: building.govt.nz/granny-flats
🔨 Building Scope
✅ Detached / Standalone
✅ Single-storey only
✅ Floor area ≤ 70 m²
✅ Max height: 4 metres
✅ Floor ≤ 1 metre above ground
✅ No mezzanine or attached decks >1.5m high
✅ Must use lightweight materials (walls ≤ 220 kg/m², roof ≤ 20 kg/m²)
📐 Site & Location
✅ Minimum 2m from legal boundaries
✅ Minimum 2m from other residential buildings
✅ Cannot straddle a title boundary
✅ Must meet local zoning, flood zone, and infrastructure availability
🚿 Plumbing & Drainage
✅ Must connect to reticulated (council) services where available
✅ If not available:
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Must comply with G13 (Foul Water), G12 (Water Supplies), E1 (Surface Water)
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Onsite wastewater treatment must meet AS/NZS 1547:2012
➡️ Licensed plumber / drain-layer required, even better if they are Master Plumbers backed by the Master Plumbers Guarantee
➡️ Backflow protection, water pressure zones, and soakage to be considered
👷♂️ Who Can Build
✅ Work must be done by or under the supervision of:
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Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) for structure
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Licensed Plumber / Drainlayer for sanitary services
📋 Council Requirements
✅ Notify council before you build
✅ Notify again once completed
✅ No consent required only if all exemption conditions are met
✅ Must still meet Building Code in full
❗️Caution for Clients
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Resource consent may still be needed depending on zone or overlays
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Cannot start work before the exemption comes into effect
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Still need professionals: plumber, builder, engineer (if needed), etc.
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Treat this like a low-admin project, not a no-admin one
Need any help or want to discuss further about your upcoming Exemption for granny flats project; we are more than happy to have a chat and go over any questions that you may have. Phone us today on 0800990069 or make an enquiry via our contact us page.
