Do You Need Resource Consent for a Granny Flat in Hawke’s Bay?
The Key Planning Rule for Granny Flats in New Zealand
Building a granny flat in Hawke’s Bay is becoming increasingly popular — whether it’s for family, rental income, or future-proofing your property.
One of the most common questions we’re asked is:
“Do I need resource consent for a granny flat?”
The short answer is: sometimes.
The longer (and more accurate) answer depends on how your project fits within national planning rules and local council requirements.
This guide explains how resource consent works for granny flats in Napier, Hastings, Clive, and the wider Hawke’s Bay, and what the recent rule changes mean for homeowners.
The Rule you need to Know: NES-DMRU
If you’re researching granny flats in New Zealand, you’ll quickly come across the acronym NES-DMRU.
It stands for:
National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units
This is a nationwide planning rule under the Resource Management Act (RMA) that affects whether a granny flat needs resource consent.
What NES-DMRU Allows
Under NES-DMRU, most properties are allowed to build:
One detached minor residential unit
Up to 60m²
Without resource consent
As a permitted activity, if all conditions are met
These rules apply across New Zealand, including Hawke’s Bay, and councils must allow them unless specific site constraints apply.
Important:
👉 NES-DMRU relates to resource consent only, not building consent.
How This Differs From the 70m² Granny Flat Rules
This is where many people get confused.
There are two separate regulatory pathways that apply to granny flats:
1. NES-DMRU (Planning / Resource Consent)
Controls land use and planning
Typically allows up to 60m²
Administered by local councils
Focuses on zoning, setbacks, height, and site constraints
2. Building Act Granny Flat Exemption
Controls building consent
Allows up to 70m²
No building consent required if all conditions are met
Requires a Project Information Memorandum (PIM)
These systems work together, not instead of each other.
You may be:
Exempt from building consent, but still need resource consent
Exempt from both
Required to obtain one or both, depending on your site
Many homeowners choose a 70m² option for extra space. You can read our full guide to 70m² granny flats in Hawke’s Bay to see what’s possible.
When You Usually DON’T Need Resource Consent
In many Hawke’s Bay residential areas, a granny flat may not require resource consent if:
It complies with NES-DMRU
It is 60m² or less
The site zoning allows a minor residential unit
All permitted activity standards are met
This is common in standard residential zones in Napier, Hastings, and parts of Clive.
When Resource Consent May Still Be Required
Even with NES-DMRU, resource consent may still be needed if your property is affected by:
Flood plains or coastal hazard zones
Heritage overlays
Rural or lifestyle zoning
Infrastructure or servicing constraints
Non-compliant setbacks, site coverage, or height controls
This is why site-specific checks are essential before committing to a design.
Hawke’s Bay Councils and Local Rules
While NES-DMRU is a national standard, Hawke’s Bay councils still manage:
Zoning rules
Hazard overlays
Infrastructure capacity
Development contributions
This means requirements can differ between:
Napier City Council
Hastings District Council
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council
Linking directly to council guidance and checking early helps avoid delays or redesign costs later.
Do You Need Both Resource Consent and Building Consent?
Possibly — but many projects don’t.
Depending on your site and design, you could:
Avoid resource consent under NES-DMRU
Avoid building consent under the 70m² exemption
Still require a PIM
Still need licensed building professionals and full Building Code compliance
Understanding this early can save significant time and cost.
Getting the Rules Right Before You Build
Granny flat rules in Hawke’s Bay are more flexible than they’ve ever been — but they’re also more nuanced.
Getting clarity early helps you:
Avoid unnecessary consents
Design to the correct size from the start
Understand timelines and costs
Reduce approval risk
At Buildmac, we help homeowners understand how NES-DMRU, council rules, and the 70m² granny flat exemption apply to their specific site before construction begins.
👉 If you’re considering a 70m² granny flat in Hawke’s Bay, see our full guide to granny flats in Napier, Hastings and Clive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does NES-DMRU apply in Hawke’s Bay?
Yes. NES-DMRU is a national standard and applies across Hawke’s Bay, subject to site-specific constraints.
Can I build a 70m² granny flat without resource consent?
NES-DMRU generally applies up to 60m². A 70m² granny flat may still be possible, but resource consent may be required depending on zoning and site conditions.
Do rural properties qualify under NES-DMRU?
Sometimes. Rural zoning often triggers additional planning controls, so resource consent is more likely.
Do I still need council involvement if no consents are required?
Yes. A PIM is still required, and councils must receive completion documentation.