There are some situations where a building consent is not required for building work. This includes low decks, pergolas, fences under 2.5m high, some signs and some retaining walls and some minor plumbing and drainage. For information on when you don’t need a building consent, check out Guidance: Building work that does not require a building consent.
Although a building consent is not required, the work must still comply with the Building Code. Even if a building consent is not required, you may need other approvals such as a resource consent or bylaw approvals.
If you’re not sure whether you need a building consent for your project, you should discuss this with a building or design professional.
Building a granny flat
A new building consent exemption allows you to add a second home of up to 70 square metres to your property, as long as you follow the rules.
The exemption is for small, single-storey, self-contained homes, often called granny flats. To qualify for the exemption, you need to meet certain criteria.
You can find detailed guidance, including step-by-step guides and checklists, on the government's Building Performance website.
You can build a granny flat without consent if:
- it has a simple design and meets the Building Code
- homeowners notify their local council before they commence building and once it is completed
- the work is carried out or supervised by licensed building professionals
- all exemption conditions are met.
The guidance explains the conditions for using the exemption and what qualifies as a granny flat. It sets out the steps to follow at each stage of the build and outlines the roles and responsibilities of homeowners, licensed building professionals, and councils.
It also includes practical checklists, templates, and links to resources to explain the exemption conditions and how to comply with them.
What information is required when applying for a PIM for a Granny Flat?
- Proposed site plan, floor plan and elevations
- Information about any relevant hazards on site (i.e. Geotech) and On-site drainage information.
Note: we do not require calculations or specifications.
For further information please refer to MBIE guidance.
Further information and applicable application forms visit the Build Waikato website.