Government cuts red tape on backyard builds

Homeowners will soon find it easier to build small structures like garden sheds, sleep-outs and garages without needing a building consent, thanks to changes in the Building Act.

Under current rules, any single-storey detached building – such as a garden shed, sleep-out or garage – must be set back from the property boundary or another building by at least the same distance as the height of the structure. This means a two-metre-high shed must be two metres away. Anything closer requires a building consent.

The Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline received numerous complaints about how restrictive and costly this requirement was. Practical changes have now been identified to ease these conditions and reduce building costs.

What homeowners will be able to do

By the end of 2025, the new rules will allow:

• Building a single-storey detached structure between 10 and 30 square metres in floor area to be placed just one metre from a boundary or another building – without needing consent.
• Placing a single-storey detached structure under 10 square metres up to the boundary or another building – also without consent.

Until the law changes, such buildings that don’t meet the current setback requirements must still obtain consent.

Why it matters for homeowners

These changes give property owners more flexibility in how they use their land. By reducing the need for consents, they save on both time and cost, while maximising the available space.

“We’ve heard the frustration about this regulation through the Red Tape Tipline. Section sizes are shrinking, and the cost of living rising. Forcing people to put sheds in the middle of their lawn or pay for a consent to store tools doesn’t make sense,” Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk said.

“Today’s housing market means space is tight and building costs are high. These types of property developments are practical and affordable improvements. We want people to be able to utilise them without hassle.”

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