Granny flats building consent exemption on track

A proposed building consent exemption for small standalone dwellings, commonly known as 'granny flats', of up to 60 square metres in size will now cover small standalone dwellings of up to 70 square metres.

The Government is on track to introduce legislation towards the middle of the year to make it easier to build small standalone dwellings without a building consent. The proposed changes are estimated to lead to almost 13,000 additional dwellings that meet the exemption criteria being built over the next decade.

The proposed building consent exemption will allow small standalone dwellings up to 70 square metres in size, commonly known as granny flats, to be built without a building consent if:

• It has a simple design and meets the Building Code.

• Building work is carried out or supervised by licensed building professionals.

• Homeowners notify their local council before they commence building and once it is completed.

The size of small standalone dwellings covered by the proposed exemption has increased to a maximum of 70 square metres.