Planning to add a shed to your backyard? Before you grab your tools, it's worth knowing whether it’ll require a building consent first. Understanding New Zealand’s building regulations helps Kiwis plan smartly and avoid costly compliance issues with their local council. Whether you're adding a garden shed, sleepout, or storage space, here’s what to know before you start building.

What’s the maximum shed size without a permit?

NZ single-storey detached buildings up to 30m² usually don’t require a building consent, as long as they meet specific criteria:

• It does not exceed 30 square metres in floor area.

• It is a single-storey detached building and no more than 3.5 metres in height (measured from the floor).

• It is at least 1 metre away from the boundary or another residential building. Sheds under 10 square metres can be built up against the boundary without consent.

• The floor level is no more than 1 metre off the supporting ground.

• It is not intended to store potable water or include any plumbing.

You can use it for storage, hobbies, or even as sleeping accommodation, so long as it’s used in connection with an existing house and doesn’t include cooking facilities. Sleepouts also require a smoke alarm.

Key factors that affect permit requirements

If your shed exceeds 30m², includes plumbing or cooking facilities, is attached to another structure, or is too close to a boundary, you’ll likely need consent.

If your shed is between 10m² and 30m², it must fit one of the following criteria to qualify for a building consent exemption:

• You build it using a kitset or prefab shed approved by a Chartered Professional Engineer (and follow the instructions precisely)

• The shed is constructed with lightweight materials (e.g. timber or steel framing, light cladding and roofing)

• A Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) carries out or supervises the design or construction work

If your project doesn't meet one of these conditions, a building consent is required, even if it's under 30m².

Steps to check if you need a permit

Start by measuring your proposed shed's external dimensions (width x length). Height is from the lowest ground level to the roof's highest part.

If your project doesn’t qualify for a building consent exemption, you’ll likely need to provide:

• Site plans showing the shed distance from the boundary

• Shed specifications, including structural framing details

• Potentially, certificates from a chartered professional engineer

Exempt projects still must comply with the New Zealand Building Code and relevant laws. Each New Zealand council lists building consent information online. For example, try Auckland Council or Christchurch City Council.

You can also visit Can I Build It to learn more about your project regulations. 

What about resource consent?

Even if your shed is exempt from building consent, you may still need resource consent, especially if your property is in a special zoning area, such as:

• Coastal zones

• Heritage or character overlays

• High-wind zone

• Flood-prone areas

• Outstanding natural landscapes

• Rural zones with stricter setback rules

Each council sets its own District Plan, which outlines what you can build and where. These plans often control height, site coverage, setbacks, and allowed uses.

If your shed doesn’t comply with these rules, you’ll need to apply for resource consent before building. It's best to contact your local council’s planning team early to avoid costly surprises later.

Shop great garden sheds with Keter

The 30m² building consent exemption has made life easier for Kiwi homeowners, but that doesn’t mean anything goes. If you’re planning a shed, workshop, or sleepout, understand the national exemption rules and your local council’s requirements before picking up the hammer.

Save yourself the hassle and check out our range of premium garden sheds. Keter sheds are built to handle New Zealand’s variable weather. Made with durable, weather-resistant resin, they won’t rust, rot, or peel like timber or metal. Easy to assemble, low-maintenance, and stylish enough to suit any backyard, Keter sheds are ideal for storage, hobbies, or weekend projects. Shop online today.