Amendments to building consent exemptions
MBIE works with the sector to make improvements and additions to the list of building work that can be undertaken without requiring a building consent. Amendments that have been made are outlined below to help users of this guidance understand when each of the regulation changes came into effect.
Exemptions are not retrospective. If you carry out unconsented building work which was not exempt at the time the work was undertaken, you will need to apply to your local council for a Certificate of Acceptance. You can only apply for a Certificate of Acceptance only if building work was carried out without a building consent from 1 July 1992 onwards, or in specific circumstances, when a code compliance certificate can’t be issued. For further information, please contact your council.
| Exempted building work | Effective from | Document version |
|---|---|---|
| All building consent exemptions | March 2014 | 1 |
| Carports | June 2016 | 2 |
|
Means of restricting access to small heated pools – minor amendments Retaining walls – minor amendments |
August 2017 | 3 |
| Ground moisture barriers | July 2019 | 4 |
|
Verandas and porches – additional exemption Single-storey detached buildings – three additional exemptions Carports – additional exemption Awnings – additional exemption Outdoor fireplaces or ovens Flexible water storage bladders Short-span bridges on private land without public access Pipe supporting structures Ground-mounted solar panel arrays – three new exemptions Single-storey pole sheds and hay barns |
August 2020 | 5 |