Building consent guide
What building work doesn’t need consent in NZ?
Updated
Schedule 1 of the Building Act lists building work that does not need building consent. The list covers many common home projects, but every exemption has conditions. If your project falls outside them, even by a little, you need consent.
Find out if you can do it →Three things that apply to all exempt work
- It must still meet the Building Code.
- It must still meet the Auckland Unitary Plan. Resource consent may be needed even when building consent isn’t.
- You are responsible for deciding the work is exempt. Keep notes, photos and plans in case you sell later.
Common exemptions at a glance
This is a summary only. Each exemption has more conditions, so read the full guidance on building.govt.nz before relying on it.
- Decks and platforms: no point more than 1.5 m above the ground.
- Small detached buildings (sheds, sleepouts): up to 10 m², or up to 30 m² under certain conditions. No toilets, showers or kitchens.
- Granny flats: a separate exemption for standalone homes up to 70 m², built by licensed professionals, with council notification required before and after building.
- Retaining walls: up to 1.5 m of retained ground, with no extra load such as a driveway or building above.
- Fences and garden walls: up to 2.5 m high, with conditions.
- Carports and verandas: size limits apply, with larger sizes allowed under extra conditions.
- Internal walls: if not load-bearing, bracing, fire-rated or masonry.
- Repairs and like-for-like replacement: using comparable materials in the same position.
Project guides
Exempt from consent does not mean no rules
Your property can bring its own limits. Yard setbacks, height-in-relation-to-boundary, site coverage, overlays, flood areas and public pipes all apply whether or not you need building consent. A property check shows your zone, flood and overland flow information and other mapped hazards. Check overlays and public pipes on Auckland Council GeoMaps or in your LIM.
Common questions
How do I know if I need a building consent?
Start with the Schedule 1 exemptions for your type of work. If your project doesn’t meet every condition, you need consent. If you’re unsure, ask Auckland Council or a licensed designer.
What happens if I build without consent?
The council can require you to fix or remove the work. Unconsented work can also affect insurance, finance and a future sale.
Can the council grant an exemption?
Yes. Councils can exempt specific work under Schedule 1 (exemption 2) when they consider it low risk. Apply to Auckland Council.