Approved, time to make a move :)
70m² Granny Flat Rules in New Zealand
What You Actually Need to Know
On the 15th, New Zealand officially approved new building rules allowing homeowners to build a self-contained granny flat of up to 70m² without a building consent.
This is a significant change. It removes one of the most expensive and time-consuming barriers to building a small home.
However—critical clarification—no building consent does not mean no rules.
Licensed professionals are still required, councils must still be notified, and every build must fully comply with the New Zealand Building Code.
At Cosy Cabins, our role is to make the process clear and manageable—covering planning, compliance, documentation, and construction support—so you can focus on the outcome, not the bureaucracy.
What this blog covers
How the 70m² net floor area rule actually works
Site, height, and boundary rules that often catch people out
Why DIY builds are not permitted under the exemption
What paperwork is required before construction begins
What certificates you’re legally responsible for after completion
How to plan correctly now that the rules are confirmed
If you understand the 10 points below, you’ll already be ahead of most homeowners considering a granny flat under the new rules.
What the approved rule change means
As confirmed on the 15th, building legislation now allows a new, standalone, self-contained dwelling up to 70m² to be built without applying for a building consent, provided all exemption criteria are met.
The intent is to improve housing supply and make small, high-quality homes more accessible.
What this change does not remove:
Professional design requirements
Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs)
Full Building Code compliance
Council involvement
This is a simplification of process—not a free-for-all.
Why planning still matters
Even with the rules approved, good design, site checks, and council processes still take time.
Homeowners who plan properly can:
Resolve site constraints early
Confirm compliant layouts and placement
Avoid redesigns or consenting issues
Rushing in without preparation is where most problems start.
The 10 things you must get right
1. The 70m² net floor area rule
What it means
The 70m² limit is measured between the finished internal faces of the external walls.
Why it matters
Exceed the limit—even slightly—and the project may require a full building consent.
How Cosy Cabins helps
We design efficiently from the outset, ensuring layouts remain compliant while still feeling generous and comfortable.
Common misconception
Wall thickness isn’t included—but inefficient layouts can dramatically reduce usable space.
2. Single-storey, standalone, fully self-contained
To qualify for the exemption, the granny flat must be:
New and standalone
Single storey (no mezzanines)
Fully self-contained for one household
Attached or multi-storey designs do not qualify.
Cosy Cabins designs are developed specifically to meet these criteria.
3. Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) supervision is mandatory
All work must be carried out or supervised by Licensed Building Practitioners.
Plumbing, drainage, electrical, and gas work must be completed by licensed trades.
DIY or unlicensed work can:
Void the exemption
Create serious compliance and resale issues
LBPs are legally responsible for code compliance and final documentation.
4. Council notification is still required (PIM)
Before construction begins, a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) must be obtained from council.
A PIM identifies:
Site services
Natural hazards
Infrastructure or development constraints
A PIM is not an approval—it is essential site information.
5. Natural hazard checks still apply
Councils will assess risks such as:
Flooding
Erosion
Land instability
If hazards are present, design changes—or a building consent—may still be required.
Early assessment prevents expensive surprises.
6. Height, boundary, and placement rules must be met
There are limits on:
Overall height
Floor level above ground
Distance from boundaries and other dwellings
Incorrect placement can disqualify an otherwise compliant build.
Design must suit the site—not the other way around.
7. “Simple design” and material requirements apply
The exemption applies to simple, lightweight construction systems.
Despite no building consent:
Full Building Code compliance is mandatory
Structure, durability, and weather-tightness standards still apply
Shortcuts here create long-term problems.
8. Plumbing, drainage, and services must be compliant
Services must:
Connect to approved networks where available, or
Meet acceptable on-site solutions
Non-compliant services are a common cause of post-build issues.
Licensed installation and correct records are essential.
9. Records and certificates are required at completion
Homeowners are responsible for ensuring submission of:
Records of Work
Certificates of Work
Electrical and gas safety certificates
Missing documentation can lead to penalties or resale complications.
10. The exemption is not retrospective
The exemption applies only to work started after the rule approval.
Starting construction without meeting the exemption criteria can:
Trigger full consenting
Add unnecessary cost and delays
Correct timing and preparation matter.
What this means for you
If you’re considering a granny flat for family, rental income, or flexible living, the rule approval removes a major barrier—but responsibility still sits with the homeowner.
The most successful projects are:
Properly planned
Professionally designed
Correctly documented
That’s how you protect both value and compliance.
A clear, supported path forward
The new rules remove friction—not expertise.
Working with an experienced, compliance-focused builder ensures:
Clarity from day one
Fewer delays
A finished home that stands up long after completion
That’s the foundation of Cosy Cabins.
Ready to explore your 70m² granny flat?
Browse our range of Approved Granny Flats:
https://www.cosycabins.co.nz/granny-flats/
The rules are now approved. The next step is making sure your site, layout, and timeline are set up correctly from the start.
If you want clear advice and a compliant path forward, choose the option that suits you:
📞 Call us
0800 297 397
✉️ Email us
sales@cosycabins.co.nz
📅 Book a free 30-minute planning call
https://calendly.com/cosycabinsnz/30min?month=2026-01
Early planning avoids costly mistakes later.
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Contact us today to book a design consultation and move in before Winter! Get in touch today.
