He whakawāteatanga i te whakaaetanga whakatū whare kaumātua (he whare motuhake kāore i whakaaetia) Granny flats (non-consented standalone dwellings) building consent exemption

This exemption lets you build a small standalone dwelling (commonly called a granny flat) without a building consent if you meet certain conditions.

The exemption came into effect on 15 January 2026.

Exemption conditions 

You can build a granny flat without a building consent if:

• it is new, standalone and a single storey
• its floor area is 70 square metres or less, including internal garages
• it is built using lightweight steel or timber framing and lightweight roof cladding A material that coats or covers a structure to protect it.
• it does not include a level-entry shower A shower where the shower floor is level with the rest of the bathroom, with no lip, tray or threshold to step over when getting in. that needs a waterproof membrane A layer of waterproof material designed to prevent water and moisture from getting through.
• licensed building professionals carry out or supervise the work
• it is two metres or more away from other buildings or boundaries
• it has connections to the public stormwater and wastewater network, or should have a compliant on-site water and drainage system
• the land is not affected by natural hazards
• the building design does not include waivers or modifications of the Building Code The Building Code sets out performance standards that all new building work must comply with. It covers aspects such as structural stability, fire safety, access, moisture control, durability, services and facilities. See the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website www.dbh.govt.nz.
• you meet all other exemption conditions.

For complete information about the exemption and its requirements, visit Granny flats exemption: Guidance and resources.

What you must do 

Although a building consent may not be required under the exemption, you must still:

• apply for and receive a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) before starting construction
• get approval for connections to network utilities (water and electricity supply, stormwater and wastewater disposal)
• get any other required approvals, such as for vehicle crossings, minor engineering works and land use restrictions
• meet the rules and requirements of the Resource Management Act. For more information, visit Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units) Regulations 2025.

Apply for a PIM for a granny flat 

Before applying for a PIM, make sure you understand the exemption conditions.

To apply for a PIM, email GrannyFlatsBCExemption@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz and include:

• your completed forms (2A and 2AA)
• any required plans and documents
• the location and external dimensions of the proposed building
• how you will get rid of stormwater and wastewater
• 'Schedule 1A small standalone dwelling exemption' in your email so we can identify it easily.

Download forms 2A and 2AA 

Form 2AA: Application for a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) for non-consented small standalone dwelling. The homeowner or agent must complete this form.

Form 2A: Memorandum form licensed building practitioner (record of design work) – you may include this form with your application. Your Licensed Building Practitioner must complete it.

To download the form, visit Granny flats exemption: Guidance and resources.

PIM fee 

Fees are subject to change. 

For the full list of fees and charges, go to Building consent fees and charges.