Granny flat rules, council by council.
National standards set the main planning measurements for qualifying granny flats. Councils still administer requirements for matters such as natural hazards, infrastructure, earthworks and fees. Find your council below and confirm the current requirements for your property.
Building consent and resource consent requirements
Building consent and resource consent are separate. Both national systems have conditions, and relevant local site requirements still apply.
Schedule 1A, under the Building Act 2004
Building consent, if all Schedule 1A conditions are met
A new, detached, single-storey home up to 70 m² may be built without a building consent if every exemption condition is met. Licensed professionals, Building Code compliance, a Project Information Memorandum and council notifications are still required.
NES-DMRU, under the Resource Management Act 1991
Resource consent, if all relevant requirements are met
The national planning standard can permit one detached minor dwelling without resource consent when its standards and other relevant requirements are met. Some district and regional rules remain, including those for hazards, infrastructure and earthworks.
Both took effect on 15 January 2026. They do not retrospectively approve existing dwellings.
National planning standards
These national measurements apply to qualifying detached minor dwellings under the NES-DMRU. District plans can allow more generous measurements. Other relevant site restrictions still apply.
| Standard | Residential zone | Rural zone |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum internal floor areaMeasured to the internal face of the external walls. An attached or internally accessed garage counts inside it. | 70 m² | 70 m² |
| Maximum area of the site covered by buildingsThe 50% standard overrides any district plan coverage standard below 50% in a residential zone. | 50% | As required by the zone |
| Minimum distance from the main homeDistances are measured from the outside face of the wall cladding. | 2 m | 2 m |
| Minimum distance from the front boundary | 2 m | 10 m |
| Minimum distance from side and rear boundaries | 2 m | 5 m |
The permitted activity rule: One detached minor residential unit per site. It applies in residential, rural, mixed use and Māori purpose zones, as defined in the National Planning Standards, or the equivalent zones where a council has not implemented them yet.
- Special character, design guides and visual amenity
- Screening for rubbish and recycling storage
- Wall and roof colour, reflectivity and external finishes
- Minimum outdoor open space, privacy or sunlight access
- Minimum window area
- Parking
- Minimum site size
- A design that satisfies a local character guide
- A minimum private outdoor space around the unit
- A sunlight or privacy assessment for the neighbours
- An on-site car park
- A minimum site area under the district plan
- Neighbour notification for a permitted activity
Other requirements councils administer
Local requirements depend on your property. Check restrictions, service connections, the Project Information Memorandum process and council charges.
Flooding, coastal hazards, fault lines and land stability can affect the building location, floor level and need for consent. Check the council information and obtain site advice where needed.
Check connection requirements and capacity. Relevant regional plan rules still apply, including requirements for an on-site wastewater system.
Buildings near electricity lines and other significant infrastructure must meet the relevant safe-distance and planning requirements.
Rules can apply near airports, ports, industry and farming operations, or on contaminated land. They may affect where a home can be built and what design measures are needed.
Earthworks may need resource consent even when the dwelling does not. Subdivision requirements are separate and remain in place.
Relevant protections for heritage, cultural sites and outstanding natural features still apply.
Check covenants and easements on your property title. The national planning standard does not override private covenants, and more stringent council bylaws can still apply.
Development and financial contributions may be payable. Ask your council to confirm which charges apply to your project.
A district plan may allow a larger home or a smaller boundary setback. That does not change the separate Schedule 1A requirements. For example, an 80 m² dwelling or a 1 m setback would not meet the 70 m² and 2 m conditions for this building consent exemption.
Steps to plan your project
Review the title, planning requirements and services before construction. Your designer, builder and council can confirm what the project requires.
Check covenants and easements that could restrict a second home, its size, location or access.
Review council maps and relevant district and regional rules for natural hazards, infrastructure and other restrictions.
Identify the water, wastewater and stormwater connections and confirm capacity. Check any requirements for an on-site wastewater system.
Apply for and receive a Project Information Memorandum before construction starts. It records the council information relevant to the property and proposed work.
Your designer confirms the design requirements for the property and prepares the required plans and documentation. The Schedule 1A exemption requires appropriately licensed professionals.
Notify the council before construction and provide the required completion documents afterwards. Your designer and builder must supply the records and certificates required for their work.
67 council guides by region
Each council guide covers local planning requirements, natural hazards, services, contributions and ground conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need building consent for a granny flat?+
A new, detached, single-storey dwelling up to 70 m² may qualify for the Schedule 1A exemption if every condition is met. The Building Code, licensed-professional requirements and council documentation still apply. Obtain a Project Information Memorandum before starting and provide the required notifications and completion records.
Will I need resource consent?+
The NES-DMRU can allow a qualifying detached minor dwelling without resource consent. The project must meet its standards and relevant district and regional requirements. Rules for matters such as hazards, earthworks and infrastructure may still require consent.
What floor area and setbacks are allowed?+
The national planning standards allow up to 70 m² internal floor area. In residential zones, the standards include 50% maximum building coverage and 2 m setbacks from the principal home and boundaries. Rural boundary setbacks are 10 m at the front and 5 m at the sides and rear, with coverage set by the zone. Check the table above and any other site restrictions.
Can district plans set different measurements?+
District plans can provide more generous measurements than the NES-DMRU. Equivalent district-plan measurements that are more restrictive do not apply to a qualifying proposal. Other relevant requirements, including natural-hazard and infrastructure restrictions, can still apply.
What local requirements still apply?+
Check natural hazards, service connections, infrastructure, nearby activities, contaminated land, earthworks, subdivision and heritage or cultural protections. Relevant regional plan rules also apply. Your council can confirm the requirements for your property and intended use.
Can a property title restrict the project?+
Yes. Covenants and easements can restrict building even where planning rules allow it. Obtain the title documents and get advice on any restriction that may affect the proposal. Relevant council bylaws also need to be checked.
Can I use the planning standard on vacant land?+
The NES-DMRU is for a minor dwelling associated with a principal home on the same site. A small home built first on vacant land is assessed as the principal home under the relevant district plan. This planning requirement is separate from eligibility for the building consent exemption.
Can the home be rented out?+
Residential rental use can be allowed, subject to the relevant requirements. Healthy Homes Standards and tenancy obligations apply where relevant. Small-scale short stays may qualify where secondary to residential use; confirm the proposed use with your council.
Official guidance
Use the official guidance below and confirm current district requirements with your council before construction.
- NES-DMRU: Frequently Asked QuestionsMinistry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport, September 2026 (INFO 1387)
- National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential UnitsMinistry for the Environment
- Granny flats exemption guidance and resourcesBuilding Performance, MBIE
- Changes to allow granny flats to be built without a building consentBuilding Performance, MBIE
Checked against these sources in September 2026. Confirm the current requirements for your property before construction.