New rules allowing homeowners to build small structures such as garden sheds, sleepouts, and garages nearer to their property boundaries without needing building consent have now come into force.
In August, the cabinet agreed to eliminate the minimum setback for single-storey buildings under 10 square metres from property boundaries or other residential buildings and to reduce the required distance to one metre for buildings sized between 10 and 30 square metres.
These structures were previously required to be set back from boundaries or other residential buildings by at least their own height, and any closer proximity usually necessitated obtaining building consent.
The changes, made through an amendment to Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, came into effect.
Homeowners must still ensure that all building work complies with the Building Code and local district plans to meet the required standards and regulations.
Regulation Minister David Seymour said the government had listened to people’s frustrations about this rule, noting that as section sizes shrink and the cost of living rises, requiring homeowners to place sheds in the middle of their yard or pay for consents to store tools “doesn’t make sense” and needed fixing.
“There was no justification for such onerous setback distances on private property,” he said.
“Today’s housing market means space is tight and building costs are high. These types of property developments are practical and affordable improvements. Now people can utilise them without hassle.”
Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said property owners now find it easier to construct structures such as garden sheds, sleepouts, garages, workshops, and hobby spaces.
He said National and ACT shared the strong conviction that Kiwis should not be hindered by unnecessary bureaucracy when making use of their backyards.
“Boosting productivity in our building system means cutting red tape wherever we can – from major consenting reforms to small, everyday improvements like making it easier to put up a garden shed.”