"Granny Flats" (Small stand-alone dwellings)

On the 15 January 2026, the amendments to regulations for the granny flats (small standalone dwellings) building consent exemption will commence. The new provisions of the Building and Construction (Small Stand-alone Dwellings) Amendment Act 2025 come into force on the same day.

You must have an issued Project Information Memorandum (PIM) prior to work commencing any work.  

To submit an Application for Project Information Memorandum (PIM) for non-consented small standalone dwelling, please apply online via Objective Build (please ensure you are completing the correct application - Form 2AA: Application for project information memorandum for non-consented small standalone dwelling):

Apply online  

Before submitting an application check you have met all the exemption criteria (Building design conditions checklist). Some of the basic criteria include (But not limited to): 

•  Dimensions of the build: 
  • Floor area of 70 square metres or less. 
  • A max floor level of 1 metre above supporting ground. 
  • A max building height of 4 metres above floor level. 
  • 2 metres or more from other residential buildings and or legal boundaries (Note planning requirements may be different please check below).
  • Not built across boundaries between allotments 
• Certain construction materials must be used. Check the full list in the checklist linked above. 
• Compliance with water, drainage. foul water and electricity & gas criteria must be met. 

Make sure all the actions required by the exemption have been carried out - Granny flats exemption: Completion checklist.  

If the project meets the exemption criteria and a PIM is issued, the work must be completed within a two‑year period. Upon completion of the work, all relevant documentation must be compiled, including:

• Final design plans
• Certificates of Work, Records of Work from all Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs)
• Any required certificates or records from plumbers, drainlayers, electricians, and gasfitters.

All required documentation must be submitted to the Council within 20 working days of the project completion. 

For more information, please see the below link to the Building Performance website. and lines to the Factsheets for building professionals, homeowners, and designers (LBP design, architects, engineers): 

 Planning Requirements 

The NES-DMRU regulations provide for 1 x DMRU (Detached Minor Residential unit) per site as a permitted activity within the following zones:

• Residential zones 
• Rural zones 
• Maori purpose zones 
• Mixed use zones

Refer to the District Plan to find out what zone your site is within.

The DMRU must also comply with the following standards and requirements:

Please note that the District Plan rules for the applicable zone may have more lenient setback or building coverage requirements than stated in the NES above, in which case the District Plan rule can apply. 

If your DMRU does not comply with the requirements of the NES or alternatively the District Plan then you must apply for and obtain resource consent before building your DMRU.

If you are not sure if your proposed DMRU will meet the permitted activity standards or require resource consent, the PIM you are required to apply for and obtain from Council under the building regulations will indicate whether or not you are likely to require resource consent.

For formal confirmation that your proposed DMRU is permitted under the planning regulations you would need to apply for a Certificate of Compliance.

The Council may take enforcement action under the Resource Management Act (RMA) 1991 if your activity does not comply with the District Plan, a National Environmental Standard, or conditions of a resource consent or consent notice. Non-compliance may incur additional costs. 

There are requirements and restrictions applicable to infrastructure for DRMUs, these include (But are not limited to): 

You may also want to apply for a new water connection; this way you can track each residential unit's water usage. Please apply here.