Granny flat resources for designers

This video explains the designer’s role when working under the granny flats exemption.

It covers:

• the designer's responsibilities
• how to show compliance
• the role of the project information memorandum (PIM)
• managing changes and final documentation. 

Under the granny flats exemption, there is no building consent or council design review. That means the design carries more weight. 

Your plans, professional judgement, and documentation all play a critical role in showing how the granny flat will comply. 

Your design must result in a granny flat that:

• fully complies with the Building Code
• meets all schedule 1A exemption conditions. 

If it does not, the work is not be exempt and a building consent is required. 

What to show in your design

Your design must clearly show that the dwelling is:

•  new
•  standalone
• single storey
•  self-contained
• within the size and location limits.

It must also be compliant in areas like:

• framing
• cladding
• services
• heating
• shower design.

Documentation quality

Any gap, assumption or ambiguity in the documentation creates risk. 

Without council design review the documents need to stand on their own, and give everyone involved a clear basis to work from. 

Site and planning considerations

Designers also need to consider planning rules early, alongside the exemption. 

They also need to account for site-specific matters like:

• natural hazards
• infrastructure constraints
• access
• levels
• ground conditions. 

The project information memorandum (PIM) process

Designers prepare preliminary plans to be submitted with the PIM application. 

Once the PIM is received back from the council, designers:

• review it alongside any additional information, and
• include site-specific requirements into the final design. 

Designers are central to the PIM process. 

The PIM is not an approval and it does not confirm compliance.

It provides information that helps the project proceed lawfully, but responsibility for the design still sits with the designer.

Managing changes

If the design changes, it must be reassessed carefully. 

If changes affect Building Code compliance or schedule 1A conditions:

• update the plans
• update certificates of work. 

Before and during construction

Designs must be confirmed and a certificate of design work issued before building starts. 

If changes are made during construction, designers need to provide accurate final plans and documentation that reflect what was actually built. 

At completion

When the project is complete, those records become part of the permanent property file. 

These may be relied on later for:

• insurance
• lending
• property sale
• future building work.

Key points for designers

For designers, the key is to:

• design clearly
• check site matters early
•  manage changes carefully
•  document the project properly from start to finish. 

More information

Download this designer quick guide to help keep your project on track.

Designers' quick guide: granny flats building consent exemption [PDF 1.5MB]