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Granny flats - Non-consented standalone dwellings

Small standalone dwellings, sometimes called granny flats, can be built without a building consent if the project meets certain requirements.

The exemption allows small standalone dwellings up to 70 square metres if:

  • it has a simple design and meets the Building Code
  • homeowners notify their local council by completing a Project Information Memorandum Form 2AA (PIM) before they start building and once it is completed
  • the work is carried out or supervised by licensed building professionals
  • all exemption conditions are met.

The owner is responsible for deciding whether the exemption applies or not.

To qualify for the building consent exemption, you must apply for a PIM - Form 2AA showing all conditions are met.

Once the PIM is issued it will be added to the property file and you will need to notify council when the work is going ahead. If works will not be going ahead, a note will be added to the property file.

If you buy a prebuilt granny flat, that was built before you had the chance to apply for a PIM, then you must follow the normal building consent process.

Exemption Guidance - building.govt.nz

How to apply

Once you are satisfied that your project meets the requirements, apply for a Project Information Memorandum (PIM).

Council will process your application once payment has been received, and will return the PIM with any information that applies to your project.

See fees and charges >

Once you have the PIM you should:

  • read it carefully to make sure there are no specific issues raised,
  • check if a resource consent is required.

If a resource consent is required, get in touch with the Planning Team by emailing planningadmin@mstn.govt.nz or call 06 370 6300.

Learn more about Detached Minor Residential Units

The building process

Your project should be completed within two years. If it's going to take longer you need to contact council to apply for an extension.

Council will not:

  • check your plans meet the Building Code,
  • do site inspections,
  • issue a code compliance certificate when the work is finished.

Council just acts as a record keeper so within 20 working days of completing the work, you must provide:

  • final plans,
  • records of work from Licensed Building Practitioners, and
  • plumbing, drainage, gas and electrical certifications.

These records are added to the property file and appear on future LIMs.

Reach out to a licensed building practitioner if you have questions about building or design or contact The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment for more information on consentsystem@mbie.govt.nz.

Development Contributions

Development contributions help fund the infrastructure needed to support growth, such as water, wastewater, stormwater, roading, footpaths, green spaces and community facilities.

Granny flats are assessed for development contributions during the PIM process.

For a granny flat of up to 70 square metres the charge is less than for a main dwelling, the charges differ dependant on which part of the District you are in.

Any development contribution must be paid within 20 working days of completing the building work.

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