Granny Flat FAQs

Read below some of the most common questions we hear when it comes to building a granny flat on your land.

Do I need an existing house on the land already?

Usually, yes.

The proposed granny flat pathway is generally intended for a secondary dwelling on a site that already contains a primary home.

If the site is vacant, the project is usually treated as a new standalone dwelling rather than a granny flat, which may trigger a different approval pathway and planning requirements.

However, every site and council can interpret rules slightly differently depending on zoning and the type of development proposed.

If you are looking at vacant land, or planning multiple dwellings from the outset, MAV Studio can help assess the best pathway for your site and long-term goals.

Can I build multiple granny flats on my land?

Potentially, yes, but once you move into multiple dwellings, the project often shifts beyond a simple “granny flat exemption” pathway and into a more complex planning and development space.

If you are thinking about creating multiple units for Airbnb accommodation, family living, rental income, or a small retreat-style development, things like zoning, wastewater capacity, vehicle access, fire separation, infrastructure, and site coverage become much more important.

Some sites can support this well. Others may require resource consent, more detailed infrastructure upgrades, or a completely different development strategy.

At MAV Studio, we can help assess the feasibility of your land early and determine what type of development is realistically achievable before you commit significant time or money.

Can I build a granny flat on rural land?

Potentially, yes. Many rural properties can accommodate a granny flat, but rural sites often come with different planning rules and servicing requirements than standard residential sections.

Things like septic systems, rainwater supply, accessways, setbacks, flooding, and land overlays can all affect what’s possible and whether approvals are still needed. Rural zones also often require larger boundary setbacks than urban properties.

At MAV Studio, we can assess your site early and help determine whether the exemption pathway is likely to work for your property, or whether a standard consented approach makes more sense.

Do I still need to notify council?

In many cases, yes. Even where building consent is exempt, councils may still require a PIM, infrastructure approvals, or planning checks.

What is a PIM?

Even under the proposed granny flat exemption pathway, many projects will still require a PIM.

Think of it as a preliminary council check on your site and proposal. It helps identify things that could affect the project before building starts.

While it is not a building consent, it is still an important part of the process and effectively acts as an early approval and information pathway through council.

A lot of people hear “no building consent” and assume they can simply start building. In reality, there is still a formal process that needs to be followed properly.

At MAV Studio, we can help prepare and coordinate the information needed for a PIM application, liaise with council, and guide you through the process. This includes helping assess whether your project is likely to qualify for the exemption pathway in the first place.

Because every council and site is different, getting this right early can help avoid major delays, redesigns, or unexpected infrastructure costs later on.

What is Resource Consent?

Resource consent relates to planning rules under the Resource Management framework. It is separate from building consent.

A building consent focuses on whether the structure is built safely and complies with the New Zealand Building Code. Resource consent focuses on how the development affects the site, neighbouring properties, infrastructure, and the wider environment.

You may need resource consent if your granny flat does not comply with your council’s planning rules.

How do I know what zone my property is in?

Your local council’s district plan maps will show your zoning and overlays. We can also help assess this during feasibility.

What is site coverage?

Site coverage refers to how much of your land is covered by buildings. This includes houses, garages, sheds, and granny flats combined.

Can I build closer than 2m to the boundary?

Possibly, but this may trigger a resource consent or require a different approval pathway.

What if there is already a shed or garage near the proposed granny flat?

Separation distances between buildings can affect compliance and fire requirements. This needs to be assessed site by site.

Can I include a garage?

Yes, although attached garages are typically included within the overall floor area calculations.

Can I design the granny flat myself?

You can, but the project must still comply with the Building Code and usually requires Licensed Building Practitioners and technical input. Poor design decisions early often create major issues later.

Does the site need to be flat?

No, as long as your foundation height stays under 1 metre. Sloping sites also often require more engineering, retaining, drainage work, and cost.

What if I need retaining walls?

Retaining can significantly affect feasibility and budget, particularly on tighter urban sites.

Will I need a separate power connection?

Sometimes. This depends on the existing supply capacity and local utility requirements.

Do I need separate water and wastewater connections?

Not always, but many sites still require infrastructure assessment or upgrades.

What happens if my site is flood-prone or in a hazard zone?

Additional design and engineering requirements may apply, and some sites may not qualify for the exemption pathway.

Can I subdivide later?

Possibly, but if subdivision is a future goal, that should be considered early because it may affect the best approval pathway now.

Will I have to pay development contributions?

Some councils may still require development or infrastructure contributions (a fee they charge for new developments to contribute to the costs of building the infrastructure that supports them), depending on the project and location.

What if my site does not qualify?

That does not necessarily stop the project. It may simply mean the standard consent pathway is more appropriate. Talk to us to find out more.

What’s the best first step?

Start with feasibility.

Understanding your site constraints, planning rules, infrastructure requirements, and likely approval pathway early can save significant time, money, and stress later.