8.6 Ground floor awnings up to 20 sqm
A building consent is typically not required for awnings up to 20 square metres that are attached to the ground floor or first storey of a building, provided they do not extend over any area accessible to the public.
What the law says
Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004
Exemption 16. Awnings not exceeding 20 square metres in size
Building work in connection with an awning that:
(a) is on or attached to an existing building; and
(b) is on the ground or first-storey level of the building; and
(c) does not exceed 20 square metres in size; and
(d) does not overhang any area accessible by the public, including private areas with limited public access, for example, restaurants and bars.
How it works
If an owner intends to build an awning greater than 20 square metres on the ground floor, exemption 45 or 16A sections 8.7 or 8.8 of this document may be applicable.
What is exempt
- A homeowner intends to install a retractable canvas awning of 10 square metres above a ground floor kitchen window and over the adjoining deck to provide shade.
What needs consent
- A lightweight fabric awning is to be fitted above an apartment deck on the third floor of the building. Although the awning has a total coverage of 18 square metres, a building consent is required as it is higher than the ground floor level.