New granny flat rules come into force

­New national rules will make it easier for Waipā homeowners to build small, standalone granny flats from today.

Central Government has introduced changes that allow self-contained dwellings of up to 70 square metres to be built without a building consent - provided they meet strict design and construction conditions. They must also be built, or supervised by, licensed building professionals.

Waipā District Council is encouraging anyone considering a granny flat to check the full rules before starting any work.

Group manager district growth and regulatory services, Wayne Allan, said this change was part of government work to reduce regulation.

“But while a building consent may not be required, this is not an ‘anything goes’ situation,” he said.

“There are clear conditions, and homeowners still need to apply to the council for a Project Information Memorandum (or PIM) before any work begins. A PIM is a council check that flags things like natural hazards.

“Importantly, granny flats must be designed and built to fully comply with New Zealand's Building Code – including structural integrity, fire safety and sanitation.”

The PIM application needs to include preliminary design plans and a description of the work. Councils must then add information indicating if the proposed work is likely to meet the exemption criteria.

Allan said because the rules are detailed, homeowners should make sure they understand their responsibilities before building.

Important things to know:

• Councils do not sign off or inspect exempt granny flat builds, but must keep records. A PIM is not an approval.
• The granny flat exemption does not apply to sleepouts, garages, tiny houses on wheels, buildings over 70 square metres, or conversions of existing structures.
• A resource consent may still be needed
• Homeowners build at their own risk if exemption conditions are not met
• Development contributions may still apply – these help pay for local infrastructure like roads and pipes
• Required documentation must be provided to council within 20 working days of the project’s completion.

Further information is available at waipadc.govt.nz/grannyflats