Exemption in building consent process comes into force

The exemptions to the Building Act that removed the need for consent for low-risk building works comes into force today (Monday, August 31)

It means certain structures can be built for less without any unexpected hold-ups that may have resulted from needing building consent. And it will also help to improve the productivity of the building and construction sector, supporting the COVID-19 recovery,” Minister of Building & Construction Jenny Salesa said.

Building consents will no longer be required for a number of projects, including certain sized carports, sleepouts, sheds, ground-floor awnings, verandas and porches.

The government has earlier introduced changes into building act on May 24 saying that it will save around $18 million from homeowners in consenting cost and also contribute in small scale construction activity which can further contribute in the post-Covid economic recovery.

The changes are expected to result in 9,000 fewer consents for councils to process

Which projects no longer need building consent?

Single-storey detached buildings

Single-storey detached buildings include sleepouts, sheds, greenhouses and other similar structures can be built without a building consent. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are not included in the exemption. Any plumbing work to a new or current building still requires a building consent, and any electrical work will still have to be carried out by a registered electrician.

Carports up to 40 square metres

The new exemptions mean you can build a carport up to 40 square metres in size without a building consent if:

• the design has been carried out or reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer, or
• a Licensed Building Practitioner has carried out or supervised design and construction.

Ground-floor awnings up to 30 square metres

The new exemptions mean you can build an awning of up to 30 square metres on a ground floor without a building consent if:

• the design has been carried out or reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer, or
• a Licensed Building Practitioner has carried out or supervised design and construction.
• Ground-floor verandas and porches up to 30 square metres

The new exemptions will mean you can build a veranda or porch of up to 30 square metres on a ground floor without a building consent if:

• the design has been carried out or reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer, or
• a Licensed Building Practitioner has carried out or supervised design and construction.
• Permanent outdoor fireplaces or ovens

The new exemption means you can build a permanent outdoor fireplace or oven built up to a maximum height of 2.5 metres, and with a maximum cooking surface of 1 square metre without a building consent. The fireplace or oven must also be at least one metre away from any legal boundary or building, and there may be local government restrictions on lighting open fires in your area.

Flexible water storage bladders

The new exemption means you can place flexible water storage bladders supported on the ground, for irrigation or firefighting purposes up to 200,000 litres in storage capacity without a building consent.

Ground-mounted solar panel arrays

The new exemptions mean ground-mounted solar panel arrays can be built without a building consent if:

The ground-mounted solar panel arrays are up to 20 square metres and in an urban zone. These can be built without the help of a professional.

The ground-mounted solar panel arrays are between 20 and 40 square metres, in an urban zone and the design has been carried out or reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer

There is no restriction on size for solar panel arrays in rural zones

Small pipe supporting structures

Small pipe supporting structures if they only carry water and are on private land can be built without a building consent.

Short-span (small) bridges

Short-span bridges if they do not span a road or rail area can be built without a building consent. The total span (length) can be a maximum of 6 metres. The design will need to be carried out or reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer.