Granny flats get legal go ahead

From 15 January 2026, building and resource consents are no longer required for new, single-storey standalone dwellings up to 70m² – providing they meet certain criteria 

The exemption for both is now in place, but the criteria are different for building consent versus resource consent.  

Building consent 

The granny flats building consent exemption allows certain new, single-storey, standalone dwellings up to 70m² to be built without a building 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. 

Homeowners must apply for and receive a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) from their council before they start building work. 

After completing the build, they must provide councils with documentation such as final plans, Records of Work, and certificates of compliance. They must also pay a development contribution.

MBIE has published comprehensive guidance and templates for homeowners, builders, councils and designers to understand their obligations. 

These resources cover how the exemption works, the responsibilities involved and considerations for homeowners, including the importance of using licensed building professionals. 

The Granny Flats Exemption Guidance can be downloaded HERE. 

Resource consent 

The granny flats building consent exemption operates alongside the Resource Management Act 1991. 

The National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units (NES-DMRU) becomes law on 15 January 2026 and allows minor residential units to be built without a resource consent, provided certain permitted activity standards and criteria are met. 

The NES-DMRU and the building consent exemption operate independently. 

The permitted activity standards for detached minor residential units require a DMRU to:  

• Have a maximum internal floor area of 70m². 

• In residential zones, have a maximum of 50% building coverage.  

• In residential zones, have a minimum front, side and rear boundary setback of 2m.  

• In rural zones, have a minimum front boundary setback of 10m, and side and rear boundary setbacks of 5m.  

• Be set back 2m from the principal residential unit. 

A summary of the NES-DMRU can be viewed HERE.