Amendments to building consent exemptions
Last updated: 9 September 2025
We work 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.
| Exempted building work | Effective from | Document edition | Document version |
|---|---|---|---|
| All building consent exemptions | March 2014 | 3 | 1 |
| Carports | June 2016 | 3 | 2 |
|
Means of restricting access to small heated pools – minor amendments Retaining walls – minor amendments |
August 2017 | 3 | 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 | |
|
General update to guidance including images |
N/A | 5 | 2 |
NOTE: Edition 1 and 2 were published by Department of Building and Housing prior to 2014.