Do I need a Building Consent?

October 2020 – MBIE (Ministry of Business and Innovation) expanded Schedule 1 of the Building Act to allow for more work to be carried out without building consent.

It is important that you adhere MBIE conditions of these exemptions – these are outlined in their guidance document.

For example some exemption requires the building work to be designed by Engineer or LBP and built by a LBP.

MBIE has a new interactive tool for homeowners who want to repair or renovate their home. This tool helps you find out whether you need a building consent: https://www.canibuildit.govt.nz/

The building work must also comply with the requirements of the District Plan (https://www.hurunui.govt.nz/property-rates/district-plan). Please contact the duty planner on 03-314 8816 or email planning@hurunui.govt.nz – if you have any questions regarding this.

Sleepout

no plumbing – no cooking – height up to 3.5 m single storey – must be own height away from boundary or residential building
MAX SIZE + MATERIALS	LBP DESIGNED	LBP BUILT	ENGINEER DESIGNED
10 m²	no further conditions
30 m²	✔	✔	✖
30 m² - lightweight materials	no further conditions
30 m² - prefab or kitset	✖	✖	✔

Shed or Garage

no plumbing – unsupported roof span must be less than 6 metres – no access by public – must be own height from boundary or residential building
MAX SIZE + MATERIALS	LBP DESIGNED	LBP BUILT	ENGINEER DESIGNED
10 m²	no further conditions
30 m²	✔	✔	✖
30 m² - lightweight materials	no further conditions
30 m² - prefab or kitset	✖	✖	✔
110 m² - pole shed / haybarn in rural zone (wind zone up to high)	✔	✔
110 m² - pole shed / haybarn in rural zone (wind zone up to high)	✖	✖	✔

Veranda and Pergola

MAX SIZE + MATERIALS	LBP DESIGNED	LBP BUILT	ENGINEER
20 m²	no further conditions
30 m²	✔	✔	✖
30 m²	✖	✖	✔
5 m² - closing in an existing veranda / patio	no further conditions
Indefinite sized pergola (no roof)	no further conditions