8.8. Ground floor awnings between 20 and 30 sqm in size – Licensed Building Practitioner
Under this exemption, any awning larger than 20m² and up to 30m² must have the design or construction work carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner.
Legally required professional: Licensed Building Practitioner.
The awning must be located on the ground floor of the building.
What the law says
Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004
Exemption 16A. Awnings exceeding 20, but not exceeding 30, square metres in size
Building work in connection with an awning if:
(a) any design or construction work is carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner; and
(b) the awning:
(i) is on or attached to an existing building; and
(ii) is on the ground level of the building; and
(iii) exceeds 20 square metres in size, but does not exceed 30 square metres; and
(iv) does not overhang any area accessible by the public, including private areas with limited public access, for example, restaurants and bars.
How it works
Before you begin, please read the Notes for awnings: 8.6 to 8.8.
Any design or construction work done using this exemption must be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). Building owners are encouraged to seek LBPs with the right competence for this work, as this provides the best assurance.
The design work is best carried out by an LBP holding a Design licence. The construction work is best carried out by an LBP in one of the following licensing classes, as may be relevant to the building work planned to be undertaken:
- Bricklaying and blocklaying
- Carpentry
- External plastering
- Foundations
- Roofing
Refer to the Who can undertake exempt work section on for more information about Licensed Building Practitioners.
You should check and confirm the LBP’s current licensing status and licensing history before you engage them to carry out work under this exemption.
If supervision is being applied by a Licensed Building Practitioner under this exemption, that supervision must align with the practice note issued for supervision by LBPs, which can be found at www.lbp.govt.nz
What is exempt
- A homeowner intends to install a retractable canvas awning of 21 square metres above a ground floor kitchen window and over the adjoining deck to provide shade. This can be designed and constructed by a Licensed Building Practitioner under this exemption.
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.
- A restaurant building owner wants to install an awning over an outdoor seating area for the restaurant. The awning will be 25 square metres and on the ground floor, but because the area is accessible by the public, this exemption does not apply.