Do You Need a Building Consent?

Most new residential building work does require a Local Authority Building Consent.

There are some exceptions that relate to Cabins and Baches NZ buildings.

Buildings under 10m² subject to:

  1. No more than one storey high
  2. Floor no more than 1 metre above ground
  3. Roof height no more than 3.5 metres above floor height
  4. Have no sanitary or potable water storage facilities
  5. Have no cooking facilities
  6. They are their own height away from any residence or legal boundary - see Planning
  7. Are not used for sleeping accommodation unless in connection with another dwelling.

Verandas are subject to:

  • Attached to an existing building
  • No larger than 20m²
  • On the ground or first-storey level

Carports subject to:

  • Attached to the existing building
  • No larger than 20m²

Decks subject to:

  • No higher than 1.5m off the ground

Full details of all excluded building work are listed in: Schedule 1. of the NZ Building Act.

Note that Local Territorial Authorities have the discretion to exempt or require Building Consents under the Act. If in doubt about any building activity consult the relevant Local Authority Building Help desk.