Planning resources · Reviewed 21 October 2026
70m² Granny Flats: Start with the Current Requirements
A small floor area does not automatically settle the approval pathway. Check the design, intended use, site and current requirements before committing to a small dwelling.
Use the current official guidance
MBIE’s guidance describes a building-consent exemption for qualifying new, single-storey, standalone dwellings up to 70m², subject to all applicable conditions. It is not a blanket exemption for every tiny home or relocatable building. The guidance was updated in October 2026. Read MBIE’s current granny-flats guidance →
Gather the property and proposal details
Bring the address, available property information, a sketch or drawings, proposed floor area and how the dwelling will be used. Mark the likely location and access. These details help the relevant professionals assess the proposal rather than relying on a general online example.
Ask who will check each requirement
Before proceeding, establish who is responsible for checking the building pathway, planning requirements, site constraints and services, and which professionals and records the project needs. An online calculator cannot make those determinations.
Keep feasibility separate from construction pricing
Our tiny-home calculator estimates a building allowance. It excludes many site and professional costs and does not decide whether an exemption applies. A $75 initial visit can identify next steps; full design and feasibility work require a separate agreed scope.