The New Zealand government has announced plans to amend existing legislation to facilitate the construction of small-scale dwellings, such as granny flats, in both rural and residential areas. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the housing crisis and provide affordable living options for families.
Simplifying the Process
A discussion document, open for public submissions, proposes changes that would allow structures up to 60 square metres to be built without resource or building consent, subject to specific safety conditions. These dwellings would need to be constructed by approved tradespeople, follow a simple design, and be reported to local councils.
Government Announcement
The Acting Prime Minister and Housing Minister jointly announced these changes after a Cabinet meeting. The initiative aligns with the National-New Zealand First coalition agreement, reinforcing the government’s commitment to addressing housing affordability and supply. The government emphasized that enabling the construction of granny flats would provide more affordable housing options for families, particularly benefiting vulnerable groups such as Māori, Pasifika, people with disabilities, and the elderly.
A Housing Solution for Modern Families
Granny flats are presented as a flexible solution, offering semi-independent living spaces for university-aged children or providing support to older relatives without requiring a separate residence.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
The government explained that this policy is part of a broader effort to streamline the building consent process, aiming to cut through regulatory red tape and make building faster and more affordable. A National Environmental Standard (NES) is proposed to standardize regulations across the country, allowing the construction of these units in rural and residential zones without resource consent.
Legislative Amendments and Future Plans
The discussion document includes proposals to introduce a new schedule to the Building Act 2004, covering small standalone houses up to 60 square metres. The document evaluates benefits, cost savings, and risks associated with the proposed changes, and considers the adequacy of the current occupational licensing system.
Cutting Costs and Red Tape
The government estimates that these changes could save families up to $6,500 in standard building and resource consenting fees per project, while also reducing the time and resources required to navigate the current regulatory system. Despite the focus on reducing bureaucracy, the government assures that safeguards will remain in place to ensure these small dwellings meet New Zealand’s standards for quality, durability, and environmental impact.
Timeline for Implementation
Final decisions on these policy changes are expected later this year, with legislative changes likely to take effect by mid-2025. The government encourages public feedback on the proposed changes through the available discussion document.
Source: 1News Reporters
Read the full article here
