Rural Sheds Without Consent in New Zealand
Rural Sheds Without Consent in New Zealand
Building a Shed on Rural Land – Do You Need Consent?
If you live rurally in New Zealand, you may be wondering what kind of shed you can put up without needing building consent. Under the Building Act exemptions (managed by MBIE), there are certain allowances for rural properties that make it easier to build smaller, low-risk structures — saving you time and money while still keeping safety in mind.
At KiwiCraft Construction, we often get asked: “How big can I go without consent?” Here’s a breakdown of the current rules and how we can help.
The Current Rules for Rural Sheds Without Consent
Maximum Size: Up to 110m² floor area is exempt, as long as the shed is on rural zoned land.
Maximum Height: No higher than 4.2 metres.
Purpose: The shed must be used for farming or storage purposes (e.g., storing implements, hay, machinery). It cannot be used as a dwelling or habitable space.
Structure: Exempt sheds generally rely on simple pole or post-and-beam construction, which is considered low-risk.
Engineering: Even though consent isn’t required, the structure still needs to meet NZ Building Code performance standards — especially for wind, snow, and earthquake loads.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
These exemptions apply only in rural zones (not lifestyle or residential sections).
Local councils may still have district plan rules about placement — e.g., setbacks from boundaries, waterways, or heritage areas.
Anything bigger than 110m² or taller than 4.2m will need building consent.
If you want to run services (water, plumbing), these may trigger separate permits.
What KiwiCraft Can Offer
At KiwiCraft Construction, we specialise in timber pole sheds, workshops, and garages built to NZ standards. Whether you want a simple farm storage shed or a workshop with roller doors and concrete flooring, we can:
Design & Supply: Create shed plans that fit within the consent exemption rules.
Build On-Site: Full construction service, with all materials and workmanship guaranteed.
Customise: Roller doors, PA doors, clear roof sheets for natural light, or concrete slabs.
Advice & Support: We’ll help you navigate exemption rules, so you know exactly what you can build on your land.
Why Choose KiwiCraft?
We pride ourselves on delivering quality rural sheds at competitive rates, backed by five-star reviews and repeat customers across the Waikato. Our sheds are built to last, look sharp, and keep your gear protected.
If you’re thinking of adding a shed to your rural property, talk to KiwiCraft — we’ll make sure you get the right solution, built the right way.