NZ Granny Flat Policy (2026) – Summary

From 15 January 2026, New Zealand introduced major reforms that make it much easier and cheaper to build a granny flat (also known as a Minor Residential Unit, Detached Minor Residential Unit, or small standalone dwelling).

The reforms combine two national changes:

Building Consent Exemption (up to 70m²)

A new Building Act exemption lets you build a standalone, single storey granny flat up to 70m² without a building consent, provided you meet all technical conditions.

Key requirements:

• Must be standalone, single storey, self contained
• 70m² maximum floor area
• Maximum height 4m (above floor level)
• At least 2m from boundaries and other buildings
• Lightweight construction (light timber/steel frame, light cladding)
• Must connect to water/wastewater/electricity or have compliant onsite systems
• Designed and/or supervised by Licensed Building Practitioners
• Must still meet all NZ Building Code requirements
• Must obtain a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) before starting
• Must notify council after completion

Resource Consent Exemption – National Environmental Standards (NES DMRU)

New National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units (NES DMRU) make one qualifying granny flat a permitted activity in most residential, rural, mixed use, and Māori purpose zones.

If all NES standards are met, councils cannot require a resource consent.

Key NES DMRU rules:

• One detached minor unit per site
• Up to 70m²
• Must meet national setbacks and height rules (e.g. 2m boundary setback typical in residential zones)
• Applies across most zones nationwide
• Still must comply with any relevant hazard overlays, heritage protections, and environmental rules

What Still Requires Consent

Even with the new exemptions, you may still need resource consent if your site has:

• Natural hazard risks (flood zones, erosion, coastal hazards)
• Heritage or landscape protections
• Special zoning restrictions
• Site coverage or setback breaches

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