Small stand-alone dwellings
Auckland granny flat site checks: what to review before design
First-pass checks for an Auckland granny flat or small stand-alone dwelling: planning, hazards, services, access, site geometry and the 2026 consent exemption.
New Zealand’s small stand-alone dwelling pathway changed in 2026, but “building consent exempt” does not mean rule-free. Before paying for a design, test whether the site, proposal and delivery team can meet the planning, Building Code, professional and notification requirements.
Confirm which pathway you are considering
Building Performance guidance says the exemption applies only to eligible new, stand-alone, single-storey dwellings no larger than 70 square metres. Further design, construction, siting, plumbing, drainage, professional and notification conditions apply.
A conventional building-consent pathway remains available. Ask your designer and licensed professionals which route is suitable for the actual project rather than designing to a headline floor-area limit.
Run the site feasibility checks
Map the main dwelling, legal boundaries, access, outdoor space, services, trees, retaining walls, slopes and hazards. Then test the Auckland planning standards that apply to the zone and site.
- Zone, overlays, precincts and current plan changes
- Yards, height, outlook, coverage and landscaped-area controls
- Flood paths, instability, coastal hazards and site levels
- Wastewater, stormwater, potable water and network capacity
- Safe construction and long-term access
- Development contributions and council notification steps
Use qualified people before locking in the design
The exemption relies on licensed professionals and documented processes. Engage the required designer, builder and plumbing or drainage professionals early, and use planning or engineering advice where the site has constraints.
Keep a complete project record. Future buyers, insurers and advisers will need to understand what was built, under which pathway, and what documentation was supplied to council.
Frequently asked questions
Can every Auckland property add a 70 m² granny flat without consent?
No. The exemption only applies when all statutory conditions are met, and separate planning, hazard, servicing and site constraints still matter.
Does SiteLenz confirm exemption eligibility?
No. SiteLenz can support an early site review, but eligibility and compliance should be confirmed with the relevant council and qualified professionals.
Primary sources
- Understanding the granny flats exemption — Building Performance, MBIE
- Exempt building work guidance — Building Performance, MBIE
- Building and Construction (Small Stand-alone Dwellings) Amendment Act 2025 — New Zealand Legislation
This guide is general information, not planning, legal, engineering, building, insurance, or real estate advice. Official information and rules can change; verify the current source and obtain advice for your property.