Review targets building consent exemptions

The Government has launched a review of building consent exemptions, examining whether more lower risk work could proceed without consent and whether existing rules can be made easier for builders and homeowners to understand

Regulation Minister David Seymour and Building and Construction Minister Simon Watts announced the Building Regulatory System Review on 6 October. The Ministry for Regulation will lead the work and is expected to report recommendations to ministers in early 2027.

The Ministry says homeowners and the building sector have reported that some lower risk work faces the same rules as higher risk projects, while consent requirements can be inconsistent. The review will examine exemptions for minor or routine work alongside the usability of the existing framework.

“[It] will help identify any further opportunities to improve clarity and consistency for homeowners, builders and building consent authorities,” said Watts.

Seymour highlighted different consent requirements for garages as an example of concerns raised with the Ministry.

“You can build a single garage up to 30m² without needing consent but you must get consent to build a standard 36m² double garage.

Exemptions under scrutiny

The review will examine building consent exemptions in Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 and their relationship with Schedule 1A provisions for small standalone dwellings.

Its scope includes whether Schedule 1 could be expanded to exempt additional lower risk building work. It will also investigate inconsistencies where relatively low risk work requires consent, while higher risk work may be exempt.

Another focus is improving the clarity and usability of exemptions for homeowners, builders and territorial authorities.

The review’s findings will inform future decisions on building regulation.

Sector invited to contribute

The Ministry will work closely with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). It says MBIE’s reforms align with the review and will inform its work.

Builders, homeowners, territorial authorities, industry groups, consumers and providers of regulated services are among those being invited to contribute. Submitters can also comment on other parts of the regulatory system. Click here to have your say.