Minor Dwellings NZ

What is a Minor Dwellings In NZ?

A minor dwellings in NZ, often called a granny flat, is a self-contained living space attached to or separate from the main dwelling on a residential property.

These units are fully equipped with essential amenities such as a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and bedroom(s), making them suitable for independent living.

In New Zealand, minor dwellings have become a popular solution for families seeking additional space for elderly relatives or adult children or for generating rental income.
However, building minor dwellings in NZ involves complying with local council regulations, which can vary depending on your location.

Zoning Rules

Christchurch City Council Requirements

In Christchurch, the construction of a minor dwelling is subject to specific regulations outlined by the Christchurch City Council. Key considerations include:

• Zoning Rules:

Minor dwellings are generally permitted in residential zones, including Residential Suburban and Residential Medium Density zones.

The dwelling must be located on the same property as the main house, and the property must be large enough to accommodate the additional dwelling while meeting site coverage and setback requirements.

• Size Restrictions:

The size of a minor dwelling in Christchurch is typically limited to a maximum of 80 square meters of floor area, excluding any garaging.

This ensures that the minor dwelling remains secondary to the primary dwelling on the site.

• Building Consent:

A building consent is required before construction can begin.

This process involves submitting detailed plans to the council for approval, ensuring that the minor dwelling complies with the Building Code and any specific district plan rules.

• Resource Consent:

Resource consent may also be required depending on the site and design’s specifics, particularly if the proposed minor dwelling does not meet all zoning rules or exceeds the allowable site coverage.

Waimakariri District Council Requirements

The Waimakariri District Council has rules and guidelines for constructing minor dwellings. Important aspects include:

• Zoning and Location:

In the Waimakariri District, minor dwellings are generally allowed in residential and rural zones, provided they meet the relevant zoning rules.

The property must have sufficient space to accommodate the main and minor dwellings, with appropriate setbacks from boundaries and other buildings.

• Floor Area Limits:

Like Christchurch, the floor area for a minor dwelling in Waimakariri is typically restricted to 70 square meters, excluding garaging.
This limit ensures that the unit remains secondary in scale to the main dwelling.

• Building Consent:

A building consent is required before construction can begin. This process involves submitting detailed plans to the council for approval, ensuring that the minor dwellings in NZ complies with the Building Code and any specific district plan rules.

• Resource Consent:

Resource consent may also be required depending on the site and design’s specifics, particularly if the proposed minor dwelling does not meet all zoning rules or exceeds the allowable site coverage.

• Rural Considerations:

In rural zones, additional rules may apply, including restrictions on the total number of dwellings allowed on a single property and the requirement to preserve rural character.

The minor dwellings in NZ must be connected to essential services such as water supply, sewage, and electricity.
The council may impose conditions on how these services are shared or separated between the main house and the minor dwelling. Stormwater management is another important consideration, especially in areas prone to flooding.

Let us build or renovate your minor dwelling today!

Contact Gareth Davis Builders