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Building Consent Exemptions for Pole Buildings
… all you need to know to make building a shed a lot cheaper and easier!
The basics:
1. There are FIVE main exemptions available;
a. Rural buildings up to 110m2,
b. Carports up to 40m2,
c. Enclosed buildings up to 30m2,
d. Awnings off existing buildings up to 30m2,
e. Standalone Minor Dwelling up to 70sqm.
2. Max floor area refers to the internal usable area between the internal framing and/or poles (See diagram below).
3. All buildings must still comply with the Building Code, Resource Management Act, Regional and District Plans (including heights, site coverage, setbacks, distance from boundaries, sunlight recession planes, noise restrictions, parking requirements).
4. Even if a consent is not required buildings over 20m2 will still need to be signed off by a Registered Engineer (PS1).
5. Any electrical work must be carried out by a registered electrician.
6. Any plumbing work will require a building consent.
It is the building owner's responsibility to check whether a building consent is required. We highly recommend the owner obtains a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) from their local consenting authority. A PIM costs far less than a building consent and will confirm whether a proposed building complies with the Building Code, District plan and Resource Management Act.
Buildings up to 110m2 in a rural zone
Building consent exemption requirements:
Building Importance Level 1, non-habitable.
Maximum height is 4m above floor level.
Floor level no more than 1m above supporting ground.
Maximum unsupported span is 6m (i.e. Pole to pole or post).
Maximum design windspeed is 44 metres per second (High wind zone).
Minimum distance from any residential building or boundaries equal to the height of building (measured from supporting ground level to maximum building height)
the building does not exceed 110 square metres in internal floor area (A x B) as measured from the inside face of the structure. I.e. area to exterior walls could be up to 120sqm.
Designed or reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer, or a Licensed Building Practitioner has carried out or supervised design and construction; and
the building is not subject to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996; and
the building is not accessible by the public (i.e. is Building Importance Level 1, non-habitable).
Detached Buildings up to 30 square metres
Building consent exemption requirements:
Single storey.
Maximum height is 3.5m above floor level.
Floor level no more than 1m above supporting ground.
Maximum floor area of 30 square metres.
Minimum distance from any boundary equal to 1m*.
*Buildings under 10m² can go right up to the boundary
Carports* up to 40 square metres
Building consent exemption requirements:
the carport does not exceed 40 square metres measured between the internal poles or posts.
the design has been carried out or reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer, or a Licensed Building Practitioner has carried out or supervised design and construction.
Carports with a maximum floor area of 20 square metres can be built without a professional.
*Includes garages with one side permanently open
Awnings, porches and verandahs off existing buildings up to 30m2
Building consent exemption requirements:
Must be attached to an existing building.
Must be on ground level.
Must not overhang any areas accessible by the public.
Maximum floor area of 30 square metres e.g. up to 30m2 for a single awning or two separate 15m2 areas etc so long as combined area under 30m2.
Small Standalone Dwellings up to 70m2
Building consent exemption requirements:
New and Standalone. Intended for single household or family.
Single storey.
Maximum height is 4m above floor level.
Floor level no more than 1m above supporting ground.
Maximum net floor area: 70 square metres ((A x B) as measured from the inside face of the structure between the internal linings or framing).
Maximum design windspeed is 44 metres per second (High wind zone).
Minimum distance of 2m from any other structure or boundary.
Can include plumbing, cooking and sleeping facilities.
Compliance requirements:
Must meet all NZ Building Code standards.
Design: Reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer.
Construction:
Carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner/s.
Lightweight roof, timber or steel framing and cladding <220kg/m2.
Amenities: Proper connections to water, wastewater, and electricity that must connect to network utility services, if available. Where utilities are not available, onsite water systems are exempt from requiring a building consent.
Local Council Notification: You must notify your council before you start to build via a PIM and when building is complete.
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