DIY buildings just got bigger You can now build a decent-sized shed or sleepout, consent-free

New exemptions to the Building Code mean you can now build a decentsized shed or sleepout without the expense of a permit (if you do it right).

Building consents are no longer required for a wide number of low-risk buildings, including basic sheds and sleepouts up to 30m².

The Government says the new exemptions to the Building Code will mean 9000 fewer consents for councils to process each year, boosting productivity and allowing them to focus on higher-risk building work.

Projects that are now exempt – providing certain conditions are met – include:

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larger single-storey, detached buildings up to 30m²;

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carports with a maximum floor area of 40m²;

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awnings, verandas, and porches with a maximum size of 30m²;

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outdoor fireplaces or ovens;

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flexible water storage bladders for irrigation or firefighting, up to 200,000 litres; •

short-span bridges on private land without public access;

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ground-mounted solar array panels;

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detached single-storey pole sheds and hay barns.

DIYers can do simple projects. Others may require the involvement of a chartered professional engineer or licensed building practitioner.

Even if a project doesn’t require building consent, it must still meet:

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the Building Code;

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the Resource Management Act 1991;

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the Electricity Act 1992;

• the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. You’ll also need to talk to your local council if there are issues related to planning, resource management, or the district plan, such as building close to a boundary.

LIGHTLY DOES IT

To qualify for an exemption, you can only use ‘lightweight’ materials.

Under the Building Code, ‘lightweight’ means using timber or steel for the structural framing, not heavier materials such as concrete blocks or panels.

The roof and wall cladding must also be ‘light’:

• roofs less than 20kg/m²;

• cladding less than 30kg/m².

The foundations can be concrete.

WHY YOU MIGHT STILL WANT TO APPLY FOR A BUILDING CONSENT

Even if you don’t need one, getting a building consent gives you the added assurance that the work is compliant with the Building Code, and it can be recorded on your property’s Land Information Memorandum (LIM).