Key Takeaways
- Kiwis can now build granny flats up to 70 square meters without needing resource or building consents, but with certain conditions
- The new rules aim to provide more flexibility and help address the country’s housing crisis
- Granny flats must have a simple design, meet the Building Code, and be built or supervised by licensed building professionals
- The changes are expected to save up to $5600 in direct costs and speed up the process by about 14 weeks
- The reforms will benefit various groups, including students, older New Zealanders, and rural workers
Introduction to the New Rules
From today, Kiwis can build granny flats up to 70 square meters without needing resource or building consents, but the changes still come with conditions. Housing Minister Chris Bishop spoke to media along with other ministers at a 65sqm minor residential unit at a development in Auckland’s Riverhead, saying they would provide more flexibility while forming part of the solution to the country’s housing crisis. However, he warned that the new rules were "not a complete free-for-all". Granny flats must have a simple design and meet the Building Code, and work must be carried out or supervised by licensed building professionals.
Conditions for Consent Exemption
There are also other conditions to a consent exemption. Bishop said: "If you read the details carefully, there’s a variety of rules in there. Site-to-boundary coverage around the area that you can use of the site, for example." It’s not a complete free-for-all, and homeowners must follow the Building Code and standards set out. The same restrictions that apply to ordinary dwellings will apply to granny flats, meaning they cannot be built in flood zones where houses currently cannot be built. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said another requirement was that councils must be informed when a granny flat will be built.
Implementation and Benefits
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said he had been working on the issue for nearly 20 years, beginning with accommodation for RSE workers in 2006. He sees this as an opportunity to offer more Kiwis the chance to own their own home, or for the country to expand the availability of suitably sized dwellings. Citing Government estimates, Jones claimed the reforms would save up to $5600 in direct costs and speed up the process by about 14 weeks, though this varies by location. The policy was part of his party’s coalition agreement with National. Penk said the reforms would benefit various groups, including students, older New Zealanders, and rural workers, and would be "a real boon" for the construction sector.
Guidance and Support
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has published guidance and templates on its website to assist homeowners, councils, and building professionals. This includes information on how the exemption works, the responsibilities of those involved, and what homeowners should consider before starting construction. Penk said: "This will help ensure that the process is smooth and efficient, and that everyone involved is aware of their responsibilities." The guidance and support provided will help to minimize potential issues and ensure that the reforms are successful in addressing the country’s housing crisis.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, the new rules for building granny flats without resource or building consents are a step in the right direction for addressing the country’s housing crisis. While there are conditions and restrictions in place, the changes are expected to provide more flexibility and help increase the availability of affordable housing. The reforms will benefit various groups, and the guidance and support provided will help to ensure a smooth and efficient process. As the country continues to grapple with the housing crisis, it is likely that further changes and reforms will be implemented to address the issue. However, for now, the new rules for building granny flats are a positive step forward, and it will be interesting to see the impact they have in the coming months and years.
