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2. Detached, standalone buildings

This section refers to the construction or demolition of single-storey detached buildings or outbuildings under certain conditions.

This does not include a granny flat built using the building consent exemption for non-consented small standalone dwellings.

Refer to the Granny flats exemption guidance for full details.

More details

The table below shows the exemptions included in this section and the professional you will need to hire if needed.

Description* Exemption Is an authorised professional legally required? Who can provide professional advice?
2.1 Single-storey detached buildings not exceeding 10 square metres 3 No Licensed Building Practitioner or Chartered Professional Engineer or Registered Architect
2.2 Single-storey detached buildings exceeding 10, but not exceeding 30, square metres in floor area, constructed of lightweight material 3A No Licensed Building Practitioner or Chartered Professional Engineer or Registered Architect
2.3 Single-storey detached buildings not exceeding 30 square metres in floor area with prefabricated or kitset components 43 Yes Chartered Professional Engineer
2.4 Single-storey detached buildings not exceeding 30 sqm in floor area 3B Yes Licensed Building Practitioner and/or Registered Architect
2.5 Unoccupied detached buildings for housing fixed plants or machinery 4 No Licensed Building Practitioner or Chartered Professional Engineer or Registered Architect
2.6 Single-storey pole sheds and hay barns in rural zones 49 Yes Chartered Professional Engineer
2.7 Single-storey pole sheds and hay barns in rural zones 4A Yes Licensed Building Practitioner or Registered Architect
2.8 Repair or replacement of existing outbuilding 7 No Licensed Building Practitioner and/or Registered Architect
2.9 Demolition of detached building 30 No Licensed Building Practitioner or Chartered Professional Engineer or Registered Architect
  • Updated on 15 January 2026
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This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: