New building consent exemptions

Codewords 96: August 2020

Changes to the Building Act will mean building consents aren’t needed for some new or expanded types of low-risk building work, like sleepouts, sheds, carports, outdoor fireplaces and ground-mounted solar panels.

Article is relevant to LBP licence classes: All

Changes to the Building Act will mean building consents aren’t needed for some new or expanded types of low-risk building work, like sleepouts, sheds, carports, outdoor fireplaces and ground-mounted solar panels.

New building consent exemptions are being added to the Building Act. These exemptions will save building owners time and money, as they will not have to go to their local council for consent for common low-risk building work. This reduction in building consents will also allow councils to focus on building work that is higher risk, helping to boost productivity.

Expected to start late August

This package of new exemptions adds to the work that can already be done without a building consent, outlined in Schedule 1 of the Building Act.

Some types of the new exempt building work can be done without the help of a professional, while others require the involvement of a Chartered Professional Engineer or Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). This is a big win for LBPs, as it will raise their profile and encourage home and building owners to use them.

The new exemptions are expected to commence at the end of August.

Larger single-storey detached buildings

Additional exemptions will increase the size of current exemptions for single-storey detached buildings. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are not included in this exemption.

New exemptions include:

  • kitset or prefab buildings with a maximum floor area of 30 m2 where a manufacturer or supplier has had the design carried out or reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer
  • buildings with a maximum floor area of 30 m2 where an LBP is to carry out or supervise design and construction
  • buildings with a maximum floor area of 30 m2 where only lightweight materials with structural components built in accordance with Acceptable Solution B1/AS1 are used – this work may be done without the help of a professional.

Some exemptions require an LBP

There are some other building consent exemptions that must be carried out by a professional. These exemptions will apply if:

  • the design has been carried out or reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer
  • an LBP has carried out or supervised design and construction.

The change to the exemption often applies to the size of the works. Using an LBP will allow homeowners to build larger projects than they could under current exemptions without an LBP.

Some examples of exemptions that can be carried out with an LBP include:

  • carports up to 40 m2 – up from 20 m2
  • ground floor awnings up to 30 m2 – up from 20 m2
  • ground floor verandas and porches up to 30 m2 – up from 20 m2
  • single-storey pole sheds and hay barns in rural zones with a maximum floor area of 110 m2.

Others don’t require an LBP

Other new building consent exemptions that do not require an LBP include:

  • outdoor fireplaces or ovens
  • flexible water storage bladders
  • small pipe supporting structures.

More information about the new exemptions including technical requirements will be on the building.govt.nz website in August.

Quiz

1. When will the changes to building exemptions come into effect

  1. They are already in effect
  2. All the changes will come into effect at the end of August 2020

2. Where can you find more information on the changes to schedule 1 of the Building Act

  1. At building.govt.nz
  2. This article has all the information I need

3. If an LBP works on one of these new exemptions, are they legally required to provide a Record of Work?

  1. No, as the work does not require a building consent it is not Restricted Building Work
  2. Yes, as an LBP had to carry out the work

4. A homeowner has asked you to build a 25 square metre detached sleep out with a toilet. Do they need to get a building consent?

  1. No, as the floor area is less than 30 square metres
  2. Yes, the bathroom facilities require a consent

5. A homeowner wants to build a new 10 square metre porch; do they need to use an LBP?

  1. Yes, but they do not require a building consent
  2. No, as porches under 20 square metres are covered under the existing exemption

Check answers

1. When will the changes to building exemptions come into effect

b. All the changes will come into effect at the end of August 2020

2. Where can you find more information on the changes to schedule 1 of the Building Act

a. At building.govt.nz

3. If an LBP works on one of these new exemptions, are they legally required to provide a Record of Work?

a. No, as the work does not require a building consent it is not Restricted Building Work

4. A homeowner has asked you to build a 25 square metre detached sleep out with a toilet. Do they need to get a building consent?

b. Yes, the bathroom facilities require a consent

5. A homeowner wants to build a new 10 square metre porch; do they need to use an LBP?

b. No, as porches under 20 square metres are covered under the existing exemption