The Government’s new policy, announced in June, would require councils to permit buildings up to 60 square meters in certain areas without the need for consent. This amendment to the Building Act and resource consent system aims to streamline the process of building granny flats or other small structures, as long as they adhere to the building code.
While Gordon appreciates the concept of the policy in addressing the housing crisis, he raised concerns about the size limitation. He mentioned that the Waimakariri District Council had previously considered 90 square meters plus a garage as a more suitable size, based on research conducted for the proposed District Plan.
In addition to size considerations, the council is also focused on ensuring that unconsented units meet the Building Code requirements. Gordon highlighted the importance of clarity on compliance checks and liability in case of non-compliance, suggesting that the council may bear responsibility unless stated otherwise in the legislation.
Final decisions on the policy are expected later this year, with implementation anticipated by mid-2025. The council’s submission reflects a balance between supporting the initiative and addressing practical concerns to ensure successful implementation.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
â– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
