Key Takeaways
- The New Zealand government has introduced new rules allowing for easier building of small dwellings, such as granny flats, without the need for a resource consent
- The new rules apply to small dwellings with a simple design of up to 70 square metres
- Homeowners must notify their local council before building and work must be carried out or supervised by licensed builders
- The changes are expected to save up to $5650 on building a granny flat and speed up the process by about 14 weeks
- The government has also introduced updated or new National Policy Statements (NPS) and National Environmental Standards to support the changes
Introduction to the New Rules
The Housing, Building and Associate Finance ministers, Chris Bishop, Chris Penk, and Shane Jones, have marked the start of new rules allowing for easier building of small dwellings, such as granny flats. The ministers visited a granny flat in Auckland’s Riverhead to speak about the changes and shifts in national direction linked to the government’s resource management reforms. The new rules, which came into effect on the day of their visit, allow a small dwelling with a simple design of up to 70 square metres to be built without a resource consent. This change is expected to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to build small dwellings, which can help to address the country’s housing shortage.
The New Granny Flat Rules
The new granny flat rules require homeowners to notify their local council before building and once the building is completed. Additionally, the work must be carried out or supervised by licensed builders. Homeowners and builders must also check the new National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units to ensure their plan meets the standard. The changes are expected to save up to $5650 on building a granny flat and speed up the process by about 14 weeks. According to Jones, the changes will make it easier and more affordable for people to build granny flats, which can provide additional housing options for families and individuals.
National Direction and Reforms
Alongside the granny flats changes, the government has introduced a total of 10 updated or new National Policy Statements (NPS) and five National Environmental Standards. These changes are part of the government’s broader resource management reforms, which aim to simplify and streamline the planning system. Bishop noted that it was "staggering" that the country had not had an NPS for infrastructure until now. The updated NPSs cover a range of topics, including renewable electricity generation and electricity networks, natural hazards, highly productive land, indigenous biodiversity, freshwater management, freshwater regulation, and coastal policy. The changes are expected to provide a more flexible approach to planning and development, while also protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.
Impact on Councils and the Construction Industry
The government’s reforms have been extensively consulted on, and Bishop said that the changes were necessary to address the difficulties and delays caused by the current planning system. However, some have raised concerns that the volume of change may be too much for councils to keep up with. Bishop acknowledged that change can be difficult, but argued that it is necessary to address the problems with the current system. He noted that the government has taken a phased approach to its reforms, starting with scrapping Labour’s reforms, then expanding the fast-track regime, and finally introducing new legislation to replace the Resource Management Act. Penk said that he was looking forward to the change boosting productivity in the construction industry, with as many as 13,000 additional granny flats expected to be built over the next decade.
Conclusion and Future Directions
In conclusion, the new rules allowing for easier building of small dwellings, such as granny flats, are a significant step forward in addressing New Zealand’s housing shortage. The changes are expected to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to build small dwellings, while also promoting sustainable development and protecting the environment. The government’s broader resource management reforms aim to simplify and streamline the planning system, and the introduction of updated NPSs and National Environmental Standards will provide a more flexible approach to planning and development. As the government continues to implement its reforms, it will be important to monitor their impact and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that they achieve their intended goals.