The bill allowing small homes to be built without a consent is expected to pass by the end of the year. File photo.
Photo: 123RF
A select committee report has called for minor amendments to the government’s legislation allowing small homes like granny flats to be built without a consent.
The Building and Construction (Small Stand-alone Dwellings) Amendment Bill would allow for standalone dwellings of up to 70 square metres to be built without a consent, so long as certain conditions are met.
The conditions include a simple design compliant with the building code, that construction is done by authorised professionals, and that councils are notified before and after the work.
The changes recommended by the Transport and Infrastructure Committee include that councils should be able to indicate if the proposed building location might be at risk of natural hazards, or worsen natural hazards – and if so, require a building consent.
Unconsented buildings should also not be allowed to have a mezzanine floor, the committee says, and people should be aware they may still need a consent for other things like earthworks.
The proposed changes were backed unanimously by all parties.
The bill is expected to pass by the end of the year.
It has been championed by Housing Minister Chris Bishop, who says it will provide families with more housing options – particularly for grandparents, people with disabilities, young adults and rural workers.
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