Know exactly when you need resource consent - and when you don't. Practical advice for granny flats, 70m² homes and tiny houses across Aotearoa.
In 2026, New Zealand made it much easier to build a small standalone home in your backyard. The new Schedule 1A exemption means many 70m² granny flats and minor dwellings no longer need a full building consent.
But here's the important part most people miss: Building Code exemption and the RMA are two different things.
If your proposed dwelling meets all the rules - single storey, max 70m², proper setbacks, built by a Licensed Building Practitioner, and you notify your council - you can often skip the building consent process entirely. Saves time and money.
Even if you qualify for the building consent exemption, you may still need resource consent under your local district plan. This is the planning side - zoning, height limits, boundary setbacks, flooding, heritage, traffic effects.
If you answer "no" to any of these, talk to us at NOHO first. We can help identify potential planning risks and explain the likely next steps before you contact council, engage a planner, or spend money on unnecessary reports.
Answer honestly. We'll give you an instant risk score and clear next-step advice.
Is your site zoned for residential or rural use that permits minor dwellings?
Does the proposed building stay at least 2 metres from all boundaries?
Is the site outside any flood zone or overland flow path?
Is the site free from heritage or special character overlays?
Does the design stay under the maximum height allowed in your zone?
Is the site clear of significant trees or ecological areas?
Do you have existing compliant water and wastewater connections?
Is this the first minor dwelling on the property?
Are earthworks staying under 1 metre in height or depth?
Is the site more than 20 metres from a river, stream or wetland?
Is your district plan free of specific extra rules for secondary dwellings?
Have you checked the latest district plan maps for your address?
Even when you qualify for the building consent exemption, always check your district plan. Rules change between councils - and even between suburbs.
Flooding, heritage, special character
2m boundary in most zones
Many homeowners in Rodney still needed resource consent due to flooding maps.
Rural zoning, minimum lot sizes, wetlands
Often 5–10m from boundaries in rural
Cambridge lifestyle blocks frequently trigger consent for second dwellings.
Liquefaction, high groundwater, coastal
Strict rules near rivers and coast
Christchurch homeowners often need geotech reports even for exempt builds.
Slope, earthquake zones, heritage
Tight height limits in some suburbs
Karori and Island Bay have extra rules for minor dwellings.
Coastal, flooding, Māori land considerations
3–5m setbacks common
Tauranga has specific rules for sites near the harbour.
Heritage, flooding, rural character
Varies significantly by district
Queenstown Lakes has very strict rules in some zones.
"If it's under 70m² I don't need any consents."
You may still need resource consent under your district plan.
"My builder will sort the consents."
Many builders are great at Building Code, but not always RMA experts.
Schedule 1A only removes the building consent requirement - not RMA / resource consent.
Flood maps, heritage areas and ecological overlays are the #1 reason consent is still needed.
Rules change. What was allowed last year might not be allowed now.
Even 1.8m instead of 2m can trigger consent in some zones.
Driveway changes or site levelling can require consent even if the house itself doesn't.
In some zones, affected party approval is still needed.
The most expensive mistake. Always do a site assessment first.
Use NOHO's free Site Check before you commit to plans. It can save you thousands and months of headaches.
A printable PDF that walks you through eligibility, RMA risk and the next 4 steps for your build.
Schedule 1A · RMA flowchart · Site assessment · Action plan
Some sites require pile design, geotechnical review, soakage testing, foundation engineering, or other site-specific inputs for consent. These services are independent consultant services and are not included in the base NOHO plan package.
Provides:
Pricing may vary depending on site complexity and engineering requirements.
Provides:
Approx. pricing based on Auckland projects only. PC Sum allowance applies for projects outside the Auckland region due to travel and site location requirements.
Topographical surveying and site information services to support early-stage NOHO projects, site planning and project coordination across New Zealand.
Provides:
Create Kitchens can assist with custom kitchen design and cabinetry for NOHO projects. Final layout, pricing and availability should be confirmed directly with Create Kitchens.
Ecopile is a direct replacement for traditional pile foundations, and suits projects where speed and low site disturbance are a priority, which is most projects. Installed with hand tools, no excavation, no concrete, and no specialist trades, they're worth discussing with your builder or engineer during early site planning. A New Zealand-designed system with instant load-bearing capacity and a low carbon footprint. There is more to Ecopile than this so please make sure to check out our website.
Foundation choice is always site-specific and must be confirmed by your builder, LBP, engineer, and any relevant council or process requirements.
Want to see Ecopile installation and performance in the real world? Watch the videos below.
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Precision timber framing and truss manufacturing for modern NZ homes.
These consultants operate independently from NOHO. Clients engage consultants directly. NOHO does not provide geotechnical or structural engineering services.
No. Schedule 1A is a Building Act exemption from building consent. Resource consent comes from the Resource Management Act and your district plan - they're two separate processes.
Sometimes. If your site has no overlays, meets all setbacks, height and zoning rules, and the build is LBP-designed under 70m², you can often skip both. Run our Site Check to confirm.
Not always. Most builders are experts on Building Code, not on district plan interpretation. A planner or our team can help.
Check your council's GIS / district plan map by address. We include a quick how-to in the free 2026 Compliance Pack.
We review zoning, overlays, setbacks, services and likely RMA risks for your address - free of charge - and tell you honestly whether you can proceed.
Browse our ready-to-build mahere and download the full plan set instantly - ready for your LBP.