Homeowners will soon face fewer restrictions when building garden sheds, garages, and sleepouts, with the Government moving to ease setback rules by the end of the year.
Regulation Minister David Seymour and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced the changes following complaints submitted through the ‘Red Tape Tipline’.
Cabinet has approved the removal of minimum distance requirements for single-storey buildings under 10 square metres, and reduced the required setback to one metre for buildings between 10 and 30 square metres. Previously, such structures had to be built at a distance equal to their height from any boundary or nearby building—anything closer required a building consent.
“We’ve heard the frustration,” said Seymour. “Forcing people to put sheds in the middle of their lawns or pay for a consent to store tools doesn’t make sense. These rules don’t reflect modern housing pressures.”
The changes will make it simpler and more affordable for property owners to add small structures like tool sheds, bike storage, hobby rooms, or guest sleepouts, without navigating a complex consent process.
Penk said the move was part of the Government’s commitment to removing unnecessary bureaucracy: “We’re cutting red tape so Kiwis can make practical use of their own backyards without delay.”
The new rules are expected to come into force by late 2025.
Good news what about carports?
What about underground bunkers and bomb shelters?
Seems like those would have priority these days over a garden shed, sleep-out or granny flat…!
The same type of restrictions should also be lifted if one needs to drill a water bore on their property, or put-up a wind turbine.
Good move.