Consent Free Sheds
The NZ Government has made it easier to build Sheds, Garages and Granny Flats here in New Zealand. If you are in the city up to 30sqm enclosed with a 40sqm verandah or carport. Rurally you can go up to 110sqm as long as its less than a 6m span and not over 4m in height.
Consent-Free Sheds Built for NZ Conditions
Did you know you can legally build a shed on your property without needing building consent — up to 30m² in residential zones and up to 110m² in rural areas?
At Waikato Sheds, we design strong, long-lasting consent-exempt sheds that comply with New Zealand’s Building Act. Whether you need a storage shed, workshop, or utility space, we’ll help you build faster, avoid unnecessary red tape, and still get a fully engineered, durable structure on a concrete foundation.
What Is a Consent-Free Shed?
In 2020, New Zealand updated the Building Act to allow certain single-storey, detached buildings to be constructed without building consent — including sheds up to 30m² in residential zones, and up to 110m² in rural areas, provided they meet specific design and use criteria.
At Waikato Sheds, we design and engineer consent-exempt sheds that comply with these rules — giving you a faster, simpler, and more cost-effective way to build, without compromising on strength, safety, or durability.
What does this mean for You?
Because the new exemptions aim to minimise red tape, you’ll be able to spend more money on the building itself, and more time doing the things you love!
However, as always, there are still some rules and regulations that you need to keep in mind
Rules and Limitations:
The size limitations are defined by what is the internal floor area i.e. AxB.
The building must not have any plumbing work (kitchen, bathroom, laundry). Any plumbing work still requires consent.
Any electrical work must be carried out by a registered electrician.
The manufacturer or supplier of steel portal frame buildings must have had the design carried out or reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer.
All buildings must comply with New Zealand’s Building Code, your local District Plan and the Resource Management Act.
A Project Information Memorandum (PIM) can be obtained for a much smaller cost than a building consent from your local consenting authority. A PIM helps to identify the feasibility of a specific project on a piece of land under the requirements of the Building Act and Resource Management Act. Obtaining a PIM will help to clarify whether a building consent is required or not.
If you’re unsure, councils have the ability to inform you if your building project does or does not require a building consent, for a small fee. Please check with your local council whether they offer this service. Once an exemption is given it is recorded on your property file giving confidence to any future purchaser of your property that the building was legally built without a building consent.
Residential Consent-Free Sheds – Up to 30m²
In residential zones, you can construct a single-storey, detached building without a building consent, provided it meets the following conditions:
- Maximum internal floor area: 30m²
- Maximum height: 3.5 meters from floor level
- Maximum floor height above ground: 1 meter
- Distance from boundaries: Equal to or greater than the building’s height
- No plumbing: Building must not include kitchen, bathroom, or laundry facilities
- Electrical work: Must be carried out by a registered electrician
These sheds are ideal for use as garages, home gyms, pool houses, games rooms, or general storage. Our designs are engineered to withstand New Zealand’s diverse climate conditions, ensuring durability and longevity.
Rural Consent-Free Sheds – Up to 110m²
For properties in rural zones, the NZ Building Act allows for larger consent-free buildings under specific conditions:
- Maximum internal floor area: 110m²
- Maximum height: 4 meters from floor level
- Maximum clear span: 6 meters
- Maximum floor height above ground: 1 meter
- Distance from boundaries: Equal to or greater than the building’s height
- Importance level: Must meet importance level 1
- Design wind speed: Maximum of 44m/s
- Use restrictions: Building must not be used for storing hazardous substances
- Structure: Single-storey, detached building
These larger sheds are perfect for agricultural storage, workshops, or equipment shelters. Our rural designs are tailored to meet the specific needs of farm and lifestyle block owners, combining functionality with compliance.
Customizable Designs and Quality Assurance
At Waikato Sheds, we understand that every property and purpose is unique. That’s why we offer customizable shed designs to suit your specific requirements. Our sheds are constructed using high-quality materials, including NZ-made COLORSTEEL® cladding, and are engineered to meet the stringent standards of the New Zealand Building Code.
Each consent-free shed comes with a Producer Statement (PS1) signed by a Chartered Professional Engineer, providing assurance of compliance and quality.
Kitset and Full Build Options
We offer both kitset and full build services to cater to your preferences:
- Kitset: Delivered NZ-wide, including all necessary materials and construction drawings.
- Full Build: Available across Waikato, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, and Taupō regions.
Our team is committed to guiding you through the entire process, from design to completion, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live in a consent-free shed?
No. Consent-free buildings are intended for non-habitable purposes. If you plan to use the shed as a sleepout, granny flat, or barndominium, a building consent is required.
Do I still need council approval even if it’s consent-exempt?
While a building consent may not be necessary, some councils require notification, and zoning rules still apply. We’ll help you navigate local requirements.
Can I install power or water in a consent-free shed?
Yes, but electrical or plumbing work must be carried out by licensed professionals and may require separate consents. We can design your shed to accommodate future upgrades.
What is the largest shed I can build without consent?
In residential zones, the limit is 30m². In rural zones, you may build up to 110m², provided the shed is under 6m wide, no more than 4m tall, and meets all other criteria.
Are all consent-free sheds built on concrete pads?
Yes. All our sheds, including consent-free models, are constructed on engineered concrete foundations for durability, strength, and compliance.
Start Your Consent-Free Shed Today
Use our Shed Designer tool to explore shed sizes and layouts, or contact us to confirm if your site and shed qualify for a consent-free build.
