New legislation passed on Thursday 15 January 2026 allows small stand-alone dwellings (granny flats) to be built without a building consent.
However, you must obtain a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) from Council before starting any work on a non-consented small stand-alone dwelling.
Your stand-alone dwelling may not require a building consent if it is:
- Stand-alone (not attached to any other building)
- Wholly new (not an alteration or an addition to an existing building)
- 70 square metres or less in floor area (including any interior garage)
- Single storey
- Designed and built by a licensed building practitioner
- Built to comply with the building code
- Of a simple design using lightweight construction materials and not including a level-entry shower requiring a waterproof membrane.
There are many variations around what is and is not permissible based on whether you are in an urban or rural area, water and sewage connections, and Council’s district plan rules. While the exemption removes the need for a building consent, you still need to comply with the Building Code. You may need to apply for resource consent if your proposal does not meet Council’s district plan requirements.
Homeowners are responsible for compliance with all exemption conditions and the Building Code. If exemption conditions cannot be met, a building consent is required.
If you’re thinking of building a small stand-alone dwelling, please consult with your licensed building practitioner and a planning specialist before applying for a PIM.
For guidance documents and application forms, please go to waimatedc.govt.nz/grannyflats
