A New Dawn for Granny Flats and Accessory Dwellings

In 2024, New Zealand's government rolled out substantial reforms under the Building Act and the Resource Management Act to simplify and accelerate the construction and consent processes for Granny Flats. These reforms were designed to address the existing housing shortage by enabling the development of minor dwellings with fewer hurdles, all while ensuring safety and compliance standards were maintained. Let’s break down the key changes and what they mean for homeowners:

Building Act Reform: Simplifying the Process

A key pillar of the 2024 reforms is the introduction of a new building consent exemption for standalone dwellings up to 60 square meters. This exemption is a game-changer for homeowners who want to build Granny Flats and accessory dwellings, as it significantly reduces the time, effort, and costs previously required to obtain building consent for small-scale residential projects.

The new provisions include the following key aspects:

1. Exemption from Building Consent: Homeowners are now allowed to build standalone Granny Flats up to 60 square meters without the need for traditional building consent. This reform reduces the bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically delayed or discouraged small dwelling construction.
2. Compliance with the Building Code: Even though the requirement for building consent has been removed, all constructions must still comply with New Zealand’s Building Code. This ensures that while the process has been simplified, safety, quality, and sustainability standards are upheld.
3. Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs): The reforms mandate that all building work is carried out or supervised by Licensed Building Practitioners. This regulation is intended to maintain high craftsmanship standards and give homeowners confidence in the quality of their Granny Flat or accessory building construction.
4. Local Council Notification: Homeowners are required to notify their local council once construction is complete. This step ensures that new buildings are properly recorded, which is important for infrastructure planning, property valuation, and future sale documentation.

While these changes open up opportunities for homeowners, there are small snags that can trip you up while constructing granny flats and other minor dwellings on site. An important step to remember is that dwellings still require a Building Location Certificate (BLC). A BLC is an official document issued by a licensed cadastral surveyor that verifies the exact position of a building or structure in relation to the legal boundaries of a property. It serves as proof that the building or proposed construction complies with the relevant boundary setbacks, zoning rules, and other site-specific requirements mandated by local authorities or councils.

A BLC is essential for ensuring the construction is fully compliant with district planning regulations and property laws. During the process, a licensed surveyor conducts a site survey using specialized equipment to accurately certify the building’s location. This information is then submitted to the district authority for review.

Failing to obtain a BLC can lead to costly delays or legal issues, especially if a dwelling is found to encroach on neighbouring properties or violate setback regulations. To ensure your project runs smoothly and is fully compliant, it's wise to consult professionals. For expert advice, you can reach out to Baseline Group (land developments experts), who can guide you through the BLC process and help streamline your proposal.