The law, passed on January 15th 2026, means granny flats can now be built using the granny flats building consent exemption.
The granny flats exemption makes it easier for homeowners to build, through the removal of some of the regulatory barriers that may slow down or complicate the building process. The granny flats exemption is designed to support an increase in the supply of affordable homes, provide more housing choices, while the conditions ensure that granny flats are safe, healthy, and durable.
The granny flats building consent exemption allows certain new, single-storey, standalone dwellings up to 70 square metres to be built without a building consent if:
- It has a simple design and meets the Building Code
- Homeowners notify their local council before they commence building and once it is completed
- The work is carried out or supervised by licensed building professionals
- All exemption conditions are met.
Homeowners must apply for and receive a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) from their council before they start building work. After completing the build, they must provide councils with documentation such as final plans, Records of Work, and certificates of compliance.
Resources available
MBIE have published comprehensive guidance and templates for homeowners, builders, councils and designers to understand their obligations. These resources cover how the exemption works, the responsibilities involved and considerations for homeowners, including the importance of using licensed building professionals.
The granny flats building consent exemption operates alongside the Resource Management Act 1991. The National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units (NES‑DMRU) became law on January 15th, 2026, and allows minor residential units to be built without a resource consent, provided certain permitted activity standards and criteria are met.
The NES‑DMRU and the building consent exemption can operate independently.
For more information visit www.building.govt.nz or click the button below if you’re on the ITM website.