The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is seeking feedback on a Government proposal which would allow property owners to build granny flats without consents.
Many district plans already allow granny flats without resource consent, but there’s a lack of consistency and different standards across the country.
A discussion document released on Monday suggests small, self-contained and detached houses meeting certain criteria should be able to be built without application.
To avoid needing a consent a flat would need to be smaller than 60 square meters, one story, and cover less than 70% of the site area in residential zones, with appropriate setbacks.
Granny flats will be able to include plumbing, cooking and sleeping facilities, and more safeguards will be needed to manage risks associated with these features.
The exact details are open for public submissions and are only proposals at this stage. All building work must comply with the New Zealand Building Code, regardless of consent requirements.
Instead of requiring an engineer's report, the document proposes that all work must be conducted or supervised by licensed construction professionals.
Public submissions are welcomed until 12 August and any changes to the Building Act and resource management systems will aim to take effect in the middle of next year.
Making it easier to build these small dwellings was promised in the National–New Zealand First coalition agreement late last year.
Winston Peters, leader of NZ First, said the rule changes would make it more affordable for families to live the way that suits them best.
“High housing costs have a greater impact on Māori, Pasifika, and people with disabilities, as well as seniors – so unlocking the space in the backyards of family members opens the door to new ways of living,” he said in a statement.
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said the announcement was part of a wider package of work to improve the building consent system and address the housing crisis.
“Removing the regulatory red tape will not only speed up the build process, it is also estimated to save up to $6,500 just in the standard building and resource consenting fees per build, not to mention all the savings in time and resource,” he said.
We welcome your comments below. If you are not already registered, please register to comment
Remember we welcome robust, respectful and insightful debate. We don't welcome abusive or defamatory comments and will de-register those repeatedly making such comments. Our current comment policy is here.