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1. Check if you need a consent to add, repair or replace a garden shed

Have your plan ready

Under the NZ Building Regulations there is a lot of building work you can do yourself. The website for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is also helpful.

Before checking whether you need a consent for your shed, you need to know:

  • dimensions of the project (height, total area)
  • location on property where the project will go
  • size of the property in square metres
  • total pre-existing building coverage on property
  • total pre-existing hard surfaces on property.

Depending on the size and design of your structure,  the work (design and/or construction) may be required to be carried out by a Chartered Professional Engineer and/or Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP).

You should know

If your garden shed is close to a boundary, and you have the written approval from your neighbours, you can apply for a Deemed Permitted Boundary Activity.
 
This application replaces the need to apply for a resource consent.
 
You will still need to apply for a building consent, if required.

​How to check if you need a consent to add, repair or replace a garden shed

From 31 August 2020, several new building consent exemptions are in place regarding garden sheds.

The latest guidance on these exemptions can found on the MBIE website.

Online

Our online tool helps you check if you need a building or resource consent for your shed.

This tool only applies to garden sheds located on the ground.

Have your plans ready before you start.

It should take you about 10 minutes to complete.

Check now to add a garden shed

Check now to repair or replace a garden shed

By phone

​Contact us on 09 301 0101.

In person

​Visit your nearest library with council services.