Sizing up granny flat consent changes

Recently announced legislative updates will make it easier to build granny flats – but what will that mean for landscapers? This article provides some answers

The Government has passed the Building and Construction (Small Standalone Dwellings) Amendment Bill, enabling simple detached dwellings of up to 70m² to be constructed without a building consent from early 2026. At the same time, a proposed National Environmental Standard (NES) is intended to remove the need for resource consent for one minor residential unit per site in relevant zones.

The aim of these changes is to simplify development for homeowners and speed up small-scale residential construction. For landscapers and site-work contractors, the most immediate implication is a likely increase in backyard building activity – and with that, more demand for groundwork, service connections, access preparation and general landscaping to accommodate the new build.

External works remain a critical component

Although the dwelling itself may be exempt from requiring a resource consent, the site still must comply with the Resource Management Act. That includes drainage, levels, access, stability, stormwater management and vegetation considerations – work that landscapers are often asked to carry out.

Any uplift in minor-dwelling construction should therefore increase demand for earthworks, small-scale retaining, access formation, planting plans and privacy screening. Landscaping contractors who work alongside builders or directly with homeowners are likely to see increased enquiry.

Smaller sites, tighter conditions

Minor dwellings introduced into existing residential sections typically compress outdoor space

and intensify use of the land. This has design implications.

Stormwater paths may need re-assessment, hardstand areas may need consideration to remain within the 50% of site coverage limit in most urban areas, and planting schemes may need to balance amenity with low maintenance.

For many landscapers, this presents practical challenges such as managing small-site logistics, sequencing work around building deliveries, and protecting existing gardens or structures during construction.

Areas of certainty

While ministerial statements suggest that one minor dwelling per site may not require resource consent under the proposed NES, the Ministry for the Environment has clarified that no final decision has been made as of the time of publication. That uncertainty has implications for project planning and quoting.

The NES is expected to be in force in early 2026. Until confirmed, landscapers may encounter clients who expect ‘consent-free’ development in all cases. However, district plan overlays – such as natural hazards, flood zones, heritage provisions or landscape controls – may still trigger resource-consent requirements.

Landscapers involved early in a project should encourage clients to seek council advice before committing to timelines or budgets.

Infrastructure and development charges

Even with fewer consenting requirements, councils will continue to require development contributions for these additional structures through the Project Information Memorandum (PIM) process. These fees can influence the overall project budget and may affect the scale or timing of associated landscaping work.

For contractors providing integrated site-works packages, clarity around these charges remains important so that quotes are realistic and expectations managed.

Site conditions and eligibility criteria

The building consent exemption only applies where strict criteria are met – including maximum height, setback distances, “simple” design parameters and site suitability.

Setback standards are currently proposed as follows:

• 2m from the front, side and rear boundaries in residential zones.

• 10m front and 5m side/rear boundaries in rural zones.

If a site requires substantial earthworks, retaining walls or hazard mitigation, the project may fall outside the exemption and revert to full consenting. Landscapers who engage early can help identify these constraints before builders or homeowners assume a fast-track process.

Integrate earlier into the project lifecycle

As the rules evolve, landscapers may find greater value in being part of the pre-design conversation. Early assessments of drainage, contour, access and planting constraints can help determine whether a site is suitable for an exempt minor dwelling – and what the outdoor-work implications might be.

Early involvement also helps reduce rework later, particularly around levels, retaining and the interface between built structure and outdoor spaces.

Outlook for the sector

While the promise of ‘consent-free granny flats’ is headline-worthy, RML chair Janet Clarke says the practical implications for landscaping businesses are more nuanced.

“Increased demand is likely, but so too is the need for clear communication around scope, compliance and site constraints,” she says.

“For an industry already balancing seasonal workloads, capacity pressures and varying council requirements, the shift may bring both opportunities and complexity.

“As the regulatory picture becomes clearer in 2026, the landscaping sector’s ability to adapt – through early involvement, informed advice and tailored service offerings – will shape how effectively it benefits from the changes.”