Building a Granny Flat in Nelson & Tasman | 70sqm Exemption Explained
The Government has introduced a new exemption allowing certain granny flats up to 70 sqm to be built without a building consent, provided specific conditions are met.
At Land & Co. Building, we are closely following how this exemption is being applied and helping Nelson and Tasman homeowners understand whether it is a genuine opportunity for their property or whether a consented build may still be the better option.
If you're considering adding a granny flat or small secondary dwelling to your Nelson or Tasman property, it’s important to understand how the rules apply before committing to plans or construction.
Not sure whether the exemption applies to your site? Get in touch and we can talk through the details properly.
Does your site qualify under the 70sqm granny flat exemption?
Before plans are drawn or money is spent, most homeowners need clarity on three things:
• Does my site actually qualify under the exemption?
• What council or planning rules still apply?
• What should I do first so I don’t waste money?
Our Granny Flat Exemption Feasibility & Next Steps Session provides a site-specific explanation of the exemption rules, along with a clear written roadmap showing what needs to happen next for your property.
This is builder-led guidance from a Licensed Building Practitioner, designed to remove uncertainty before you commit to a project.
What Is the Granny Flat Exemption?
The new exemption is designed to make it easier and faster to add small secondary dwellings to residential properties across New Zealand, including in the Nelson and Tasman region.
Under the exemption, some standalone granny flats up to 70 square metres may be built without a building consent, as long as the design, construction, and site meet all required criteria.
However, this does not mean:
• No rules
• No standards
• No planning considerations
Instead, it creates a different pathway where responsibility sits more heavily with the builder, designer, and property owner to ensure the project complies with all relevant requirements.
Key Things to Understand
(Before You Get Excited)
Even without a building consent, exempt granny flats must still:
• Comply with the New Zealand Building Code
• Be built or supervised by appropriately licensed professionals
• Meet specific design, height, and layout requirements
• Comply with local district planning rules
• Be recorded correctly for future property records
If any of these requirements are not met, the exemption does not apply.
This is not a shortcut for poor design or rushed construction, and understanding the details early is essential.
Is a Consent-Free Granny Flat Right for You?
For some Nelson and Tasman properties, this exemption will be a great option. In other cases, a traditional consented build may still be the better path.
It often depends on factors such as:
• Site access and slope
• Existing services and infrastructure
• Intended use of the dwelling
• Budget and timeframe
• Long-term plans for the property
Part of our role as an experienced builder working across the Nelson and Tasman region is helping homeowners think through these considerations before decisions are locked in.
How We Can Help
If you are considering building a granny flat or secondary dwelling in Nelson or Tasman, we can assist with:
• Early feasibility conversations
• Buildability and layout advice
• Understanding where the exemption applies (and where it doesn’t)
• High-quality construction that meets Building Code requirements
• Honest guidance about whether a consent-free build is the right path
As a Licensed Building Practitioner serving the Nelson and Tasman region, our focus is always on delivering well-built homes and providing clear, practical advice from the start.
We won’t push a consent-free build if it’s not in your best interest long-term.
Areas We Work
Land & Co. Building provides residential building services across the Nelson and Tasman region, including:
Nelson
Richmond
Mapua
Motueka
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