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Schedule 1AA: Transitional, savings, and related provisions
or “Rules for managing changes to building regulations over time”
You could also call this:

“List of building work you can do without getting a building consent”

This schedule outlines various types of building work that do not require a building consent. The exemptions cover a wide range of structures and activities, including:

General repairs and maintenance using comparable materials, as long as they don’t involve substantial replacements of systems or structural elements.

Small detached buildings like sheds up to certain size limits.

Internal alterations that don’t affect a building’s structure or safety systems.

Some types of plumbing and drainage work done by authorized professionals.

Certain outdoor structures like retaining walls, fences, and playground equipment within specified limits.

Some work on existing buildings like replacing windows or adding insulation, with restrictions.

Removal of some building elements if it doesn’t affect the structure or safety systems.

The schedule provides specific size, height and other limits for many exemptions. It also allows territorial authorities some discretion to exempt other low-risk work.

Key restrictions are that exempt work must still comply with the building code, and can’t adversely affect a building’s structure or safety systems. Some exemptions only apply if the work is designed or carried out by licensed professionals.

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Next up: Schedule 2: Buildings in respect of which requirement for provision of access and facilities for persons with disabilities applies

or “Buildings that must be accessible for people with disabilities”
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1Building work for which building consent not required

1Exempted building work

General

1General repair, maintenance, and replacement

  1. The repair and maintenance of a building product or an assembly incorporated in or associated with a building, provided that a comparable building product or assembly is used.

  2. Replacement of a building product or an assembly incorporated in or associated with a building, provided that—

  3. a comparable building product or assembly is used; and
    1. the replacement is in the same position.

      1. However, subclauses (1) and (2) do not include the following building work:

      2. complete or substantial replacement of a specified system; or
        1. complete or substantial replacement of a building product or an assembly contributing to the building's structural behaviour or fire-safety properties; or
          1. repair or replacement (other than maintenance) of a building product or an assembly incorporated in or associated with a building that has failed to satisfy the provisions of the building code for durability, for example, through a failure to comply with the external moisture requirements of the building code; or
            1. sanitary plumbing or drainlaying under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006.

              Notes
              • Schedule 1 clause 1(1): amended, on , by section 99(1) of the Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 21).
              • Schedule 1 clause 1(1): amended, on , by section 99(2) of the Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 21).
              • Schedule 1 clause 1(2): amended, on , by section 99(3) of the Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 21).
              • Schedule 1 clause 1(2)(a): amended, on , by section 99(6) of the Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 21).
              • Schedule 1 clause 1(3)(b): amended, on , by section 99(7) of the Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 21).
              • Schedule 1 clause 1(3)(c): amended, on , by section 99(8) of the Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 21).

              2Territorial and regional authority discretionary exemptions

              1. Any building work in respect of which the territorial authority or regional authority considers that a building consent is not necessary for the purposes of this Act because the authority considers that—

              2. the completed building work is likely to comply with the building code; or
                1. if the completed building work does not comply with the building code, it is unlikely to endanger people or any building, whether on the same land or on other property.

                  3Single-storey detached buildings not exceeding 10 square metres in floor area

                  1. Building work in connection with any detached building that—

                  2. is not more than 1 storey (being a floor level of up to 1 metre above the supporting ground and a height of up to 3.5 metres above the floor level); and
                    1. does not exceed 10 square metres in floor area; and
                      1. does not contain sanitary facilities or facilities for the storage of potable water; and
                        1. does not include sleeping accommodation, unless the building is used in connection with a dwelling and does not contain any cooking facilities.

                          1. However, subclause (1) does not include building work in connection with a building that is closer than the measure of its own height to any residential building or to any legal boundary.

                          3ASingle-storey detached buildings exceeding 10, but not exceeding 30, square metres in floor area and constructed of lightweight building products

                          1. Building work in connection with any detached building that—

                          2. is not more than 1 storey (being a floor level of up to 1 metre above the supporting ground and a height of up to 3.5 metres above the floor level); and
                            1. exceeds 10 square metres in floor area, but does not exceed 30 square metres; and
                              1. is built using lightweight building products for the walls and roof, and in accordance with Acceptable Solution B1/AS1 for timber or steel buildings; and
                                1. does not contain sanitary facilities or facilities for the storage of potable water; and
                                  1. does not include sleeping accommodation, unless the building is used in connection with a dwelling and does not contain any cooking facilities; and
                                    1. if it includes sleeping accommodation, has smoke alarms installed.

                                      1. However, subclause (1) does not include building work in connection with a building that is closer than the measure of its own height to any residential building or to any legal boundary.

                                      Notes
                                      • Schedule 1 clause 3A: inserted, on , by clause 5 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).
                                      • Schedule 1 clause 3A heading: amended, on , by section 99(4) of the Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 21).
                                      • Schedule 1 clause 3A(1)(c): amended, on , by section 99(5) of the Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 21).

                                      3BSingle-storey detached buildings exceeding 10, but not exceeding 30, square metres in floor area if work carried out or supervised by licensed building practitioner

                                      1. Building work in connection with any detached building if—

                                      2. any design or construction work is carried out or supervised by a licensed building practitioner; and
                                        1. the building—
                                          1. is not more than 1 storey (being a floor level of up to 1 metre above the supporting ground and a height of up to 3.5 metres above the floor level); and
                                            1. exceeds 10 square metres in floor area, but does not exceed 30 square metres; and
                                              1. does not contain sanitary facilities or facilities for the storage of potable water; and
                                                1. does not include sleeping accommodation, unless the building is used in connection with a dwelling and does not contain any cooking facilities; and
                                                  1. if it includes sleeping accommodation, has smoke alarms installed.

                                                  2. However, subclause (1) does not include building work in connection with a building that is closer than the measure of its own height to any residential building or to any legal boundary.

                                                  Notes
                                                  • Schedule 1 clause 3B: inserted, on , by clause 5 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                  4Unoccupied detached buildings

                                                  1. Building work in connection with any detached building that—

                                                  2. houses fixed plant or machinery and under normal circumstances is entered only on intermittent occasions for the routine inspection and maintenance of that plant or machinery; or
                                                    1. is a building, or is in a vicinity, that people cannot enter or do not normally enter; or
                                                      1. is used only by people engaged in building work—
                                                        1. in relation to another building; and
                                                          1. for which a building consent is required.

                                                          2. However, subclause (1) does not include building work in connection with a building that is closer than the measure of its own height to any residential building or to any legal boundary.

                                                          4ASingle-storey pole sheds and hay barns in rural zones

                                                          1. Building work in connection with a pole shed or hay barn in a rural zone if—

                                                          2. any design or construction work is carried out or supervised by a licensed building practitioner; and
                                                            1. the building—
                                                              1. is not more than 1 storey (being a floor level of up to 1 metre above the supporting ground and a height of up to 4 metres above the floor level); and
                                                                1. does not exceed 110 square metres in floor area; and
                                                                  1. is not accessible by the public; and
                                                                    1. is not used to store hazardous substances within the meaning of that term in regulation 4 of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017; and
                                                                    2. the maximum unsupported roof span in any direction does not exceed 6 metres; and
                                                                      1. either—
                                                                        1. the design wind speeds do not exceed 44 metres per second (calculated using Verification Method B1/VM1); or
                                                                          1. the building is located in a wind zone no greater than high (as defined in Acceptable Solution B1/AS1).

                                                                          2. However, subclause (1) does not include any building work in connection with a building that is closer than the measure of its own height to any residential building, public road, railway, or legal boundary.

                                                                          Notes
                                                                          • Schedule 1 clause 4A: inserted, on , by clause 6 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                          5Tents, marquees, and similar lightweight structures

                                                                          1. Building work in connection with any tent or marquee, or any similar lightweight structure (for example, a stall, booth, or compartment used at fairs, exhibitions, or markets) that—

                                                                          2. does not exceed 100 square metres in floor area; and
                                                                            1. is to be, or has been, used for a period of not more than 1 month.

                                                                              6Pergolas

                                                                              1. Building work in connection with a pergola.

                                                                              7Repair or replacement of outbuilding

                                                                              1. The repair or replacement of all or part of an outbuilding if—

                                                                              2. the repair or replacement is made within the same footprint area that the outbuilding or the original outbuilding (as the case may be) occupied; and
                                                                                1. in the case of any replacement, the replacement is made with a comparable outbuilding or part of an outbuilding; and
                                                                                  1. the outbuilding is a detached building that is not more than 1 storey; and
                                                                                    1. the outbuilding is not intended to be open to, or used by, members of the public.

                                                                                      Existing buildings: additions and alterations

                                                                                      8Windows and exterior doorways in existing dwellings and outbuildings

                                                                                      1. Building work in connection with a window (including a roof window) or an exterior doorway in an existing dwelling that is not more than 2 storeys or in an existing outbuilding that is not more than 2 storeys, except,—

                                                                                      2. in the case of replacement, if the window or doorway being replaced has failed to satisfy the provisions of the building code for durability, for example, through a failure to comply with the external moisture requirements of the building code; or
                                                                                        1. if the building work modifies or affects any specified system.

                                                                                          9Alteration to existing entrance or internal doorway to facilitate access for persons with disabilities

                                                                                          1. Building work in connection with an existing entrance or internal doorway of a detached or semi-detached dwelling to improve access for persons with disabilities.

                                                                                          10Interior alterations to existing non-residential building

                                                                                          1. Building work in connection with the interior of any existing non-residential building (for example, a shop, office, library, factory, warehouse, church, or school) if the building work—

                                                                                          2. does not modify or affect the primary structure of the building; and
                                                                                            1. does not modify or affect any specified system; and
                                                                                              1. does not relate to a wall that is—
                                                                                                1. a fire separation wall (also known as a firewall); or
                                                                                                  1. made of units of a building product (such as brick, burnt clay, concrete, or stone) laid to a bond in and joined together with mortar; and
                                                                                                  2. does not include sanitary plumbing or drainlaying under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006.

                                                                                                    Notes
                                                                                                    • Schedule 1 clause 10(c)(ii): amended, on , by section 99(9) of the Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 21).

                                                                                                    11Internal walls and doorways in existing building

                                                                                                    1. Building work in connection with an internal wall (including an internal doorway) in any existing building unless the wall is—

                                                                                                    2. load-bearing; or
                                                                                                      1. a bracing element; or
                                                                                                        1. a fire separation wall (also known as a firewall); or
                                                                                                          1. part of a specified system; or
                                                                                                            1. made of units of a building product (such as brick, burnt clay, concrete, or stone) laid to a bond in and joined together with mortar.

                                                                                                              Notes
                                                                                                              • Schedule 1 clause 11(e): amended, on , by section 99(10) of the Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 21).

                                                                                                              12Internal linings and finishes in existing dwelling

                                                                                                              1. Building work in connection with any internal linings or finishes of any wall, ceiling, or floor of an existing dwelling.

                                                                                                              13Thermal insulation

                                                                                                              1. Building work in connection with the installation of thermal insulation in an existing building other than in—

                                                                                                              2. an external wall of the building; or
                                                                                                                1. an internal wall of the building that is a fire separation wall (also known as a firewall).

                                                                                                                  13AGround moisture barrier

                                                                                                                  1. Building work in connection with the installation in an existing building’s subfloor space of a ground moisture barrier.

                                                                                                                  Notes
                                                                                                                  • Schedule 1 clause 13A: inserted, on , by clause 3 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2019 (LI 2019/133).

                                                                                                                  14Penetrations

                                                                                                                  1. Building work in connection with the making of a penetration not exceeding 300 millimetres in diameter to enable the passage of pipes, cables, ducts, wires, hoses, and the like through any existing dwelling or outbuilding and any associated building work, such as weatherproofing, fireproofing, or sealing, provided that—

                                                                                                                  2. in the case of a dwelling, the dwelling is detached or in a building that is not more than 3 storeys; and
                                                                                                                    1. in the case of an outbuilding, the outbuilding is detached and is not more than 3 storeys.

                                                                                                                      1. In the case of an existing building to which subclause (1) does not apply, building work in connection with the making of a penetration not exceeding 300 millimetres in diameter to enable the passage of pipes, cables, ducts, wires, hoses, and the like through the building and any associated building work, such as weatherproofing, fireproofing, or sealing, provided that the penetration—

                                                                                                                      2. does not modify or affect the primary structure of the building; and
                                                                                                                        1. does not modify or affect any specified system.

                                                                                                                          15Closing in existing veranda or patio

                                                                                                                          1. Building work in connection with the closing in of an existing veranda, patio, or the like so as to provide an enclosed porch, conservatory, or the like with a floor area not exceeding 5 square metres.

                                                                                                                          16Awnings not exceeding 20 square metres in size

                                                                                                                          1. Building work in connection with an awning that—

                                                                                                                          2. is on or attached to an existing building; and
                                                                                                                            1. is on the ground or first-storey level of the building; and
                                                                                                                              1. does not exceed 20 square metres in size; and
                                                                                                                                1. does not overhang any area accessible by the public, including private areas with limited public access, for example, restaurants and bars.

                                                                                                                                  Notes
                                                                                                                                  • Schedule 1 clause 16 heading: replaced, on , by clause 7 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                  16AAwnings exceeding 20, but not exceeding 30, square metres in size

                                                                                                                                  1. Building work in connection with an awning if—

                                                                                                                                  2. any design or construction work is carried out or supervised by a licensed building practitioner; and
                                                                                                                                    1. the awning—
                                                                                                                                      1. is on or attached to an existing building; and
                                                                                                                                        1. is on the ground level of the building; and
                                                                                                                                          1. exceeds 20 square metres in size, but does not exceed 30 square metres; and
                                                                                                                                            1. does not overhang any area accessible by the public, including private areas with limited public access, for example, restaurants and bars.

                                                                                                                                            Notes
                                                                                                                                            • Schedule 1 clause 16A: inserted, on , by clause 8 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                            17Porches and verandas not exceeding 20 square metres in floor area

                                                                                                                                            1. Building work in connection with a porch or a veranda that—

                                                                                                                                            2. is on or attached to an existing building; and
                                                                                                                                              1. is on the ground or first-storey level of the building; and
                                                                                                                                                1. does not exceed 20 square metres in floor area; and
                                                                                                                                                  1. does not overhang any area accessible by the public, including private areas with limited public access, for example, restaurants and bars.

                                                                                                                                                    Notes
                                                                                                                                                    • Schedule 1 clause 17 heading: replaced, on , by clause 9 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                                    17APorches and verandas exceeding 20, but not exceeding 30, square metres in floor area

                                                                                                                                                    1. Building work in connection with a porch or a veranda if—

                                                                                                                                                    2. any design or construction work is carried out or supervised by a licensed building practitioner; and
                                                                                                                                                      1. the porch or veranda—
                                                                                                                                                        1. is on or attached to an existing building; and
                                                                                                                                                          1. is on the ground level of the building; and
                                                                                                                                                            1. exceeds 20 square metres in floor area, but does not exceed 30 square metres; and
                                                                                                                                                              1. does not overhang any area accessible by the public, including private areas with limited public access, for example, restaurants and bars.

                                                                                                                                                              Notes
                                                                                                                                                              • Schedule 1 clause 17A: inserted, on , by clause 10 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                                              18Carports not exceeding 20 square metres in floor area

                                                                                                                                                              1. Building work in connection with a carport that—

                                                                                                                                                              2. is on the ground level; and
                                                                                                                                                                1. does not exceed 20 square metres in floor area.

                                                                                                                                                                  Notes
                                                                                                                                                                  • Schedule 1 clause 18: replaced, on , by clause 3 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2016 (LI 2016/108).
                                                                                                                                                                  • Schedule 1 clause 18 heading: replaced, on , by clause 11 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                                                  18ACarports exceeding 20, but not exceeding 40, square metres in floor area

                                                                                                                                                                  1. Building work in connection with a carport if—

                                                                                                                                                                  2. any design or construction work is carried out or supervised by a licensed building practitioner; and
                                                                                                                                                                    1. the carport—
                                                                                                                                                                      1. is on the ground level; and
                                                                                                                                                                        1. exceeds 20 square metres in floor area, but does not exceed 40 square metres.

                                                                                                                                                                        Notes
                                                                                                                                                                        • Schedule 1 clause 18A: inserted, on , by clause 12 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                                                        19Shade sails

                                                                                                                                                                        1. Building work in connection with a shade sail made of fabric or other similar lightweight material, and associated structural support, that—

                                                                                                                                                                        2. does not exceed 50 square metres in size; and
                                                                                                                                                                          1. is no closer than 1 metre to any legal boundary; and
                                                                                                                                                                            1. is on the ground level, or, if on a building, on the ground or first-storey level of the building.

                                                                                                                                                                              Other structures

                                                                                                                                                                              20Retaining walls

                                                                                                                                                                              1. Building work in connection with a retaining wall that—

                                                                                                                                                                              2. retains not more than 1.5 metres depth of ground; and
                                                                                                                                                                                1. does not support any surcharge or any load additional to the load of that ground (for example, the load of vehicles).

                                                                                                                                                                                  21Fences and hoardings

                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Building work in connection with a fence or hoarding in each case not exceeding 2.5 metres in height above the supporting ground.

                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Subclause (1) does not include a fence or hoarding to restrict access to a residential pool.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                  • Schedule 1 clause 21(2): replaced, on , by section 18(2) of the Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 71).

                                                                                                                                                                                  21AMeans of restricting access to small heated pools

                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Installation of a safety cover as a means of restricting access to a small heated pool that is a residential pool.

                                                                                                                                                                                  Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                  • Schedule 1 clause 21A: inserted, on , by section 18(3) of the Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 71).

                                                                                                                                                                                  22Dams (excluding large dams)

                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Building work in connection with a dam that is not a large dam.

                                                                                                                                                                                  23Tanks and pools

                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Building work in connection with a tank or pool and any structure in support of the tank or pool, including any tank or pool that is part of any other building for which a building consent is required, that—

                                                                                                                                                                                  2. does not exceed 500 litres capacity and is supported not more than 4 metres above the supporting ground; or
                                                                                                                                                                                    1. does not exceed 1 000 litres capacity and is supported not more than 3 metres above the supporting ground; or
                                                                                                                                                                                      1. does not exceed 2 000 litres capacity and is supported not more than 2 metres above the supporting ground; or
                                                                                                                                                                                        1. does not exceed 4 000 litres capacity and is supported not more than 1 metre above the supporting ground; or
                                                                                                                                                                                          1. does not exceed 8 000 litres capacity and is supported not more than 0.5 metres above the supporting ground; or
                                                                                                                                                                                            1. does not exceed 16 000 litres capacity and is supported not more than 0.25 metres above the supporting ground; or
                                                                                                                                                                                              1. does not exceed 35 000 litres capacity and is supported directly by ground.

                                                                                                                                                                                                Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                • Schedule 1 clause 23 heading: amended, on , by section 18(4) of the Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 71).
                                                                                                                                                                                                • Schedule 1 clause 23: amended, on , by section 18(5) of the Building (Pools) Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 71).

                                                                                                                                                                                                23AFlexible water storage bladders

                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Building work in connection with a flexible water storage bladder that—

                                                                                                                                                                                                2. is on the ground; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. has an overall height of no more than 2 metres; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. does not exceed 200,000 litres in capacity; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. is at least 100 metres from any residential building or legal boundary; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. is used exclusively for irrigation or firefighting purposes.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Schedule 1 clause 23A: inserted, on , by clause 13 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                                                                                          24Decks, platforms, bridges, boardwalks, etc

                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Building work in connection with a deck, platform, bridge, boardwalk, or the like from which it is not possible to fall more than 1.5 metres even if it collapses.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          25Signs

                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Building work in connection with a sign (whether free-standing or attached to a structure) and any structural support of the sign if—

                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. no face of the sign exceeds 6 square metres in surface area; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. the top of the sign does not exceed 3 metres in height above the supporting ground level.

                                                                                                                                                                                                              26Height-restriction gantries

                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Building work in connection with a height-restriction gantry.

                                                                                                                                                                                                              27Temporary storage stacks

                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Building work in connection with a temporary storage stack of goods or materials.

                                                                                                                                                                                                              28Private household playground equipment

                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Building work in connection with playground equipment if—

                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. the equipment is for use by a single private household; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. no part of the equipment exceeds 3 metres in height above the supporting ground level.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  28APermanent outdoor fireplaces and ovens

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Building work in connection with a permanent outdoor fireplace or oven that—

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. is on the ground; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. is not covered by a roof or wall; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. has an overall height of no more than 2.5 metres, and a cooking surface of no more than 1 square metre; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. is at least 1 metre from any legal boundary or building; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. disposes of smoke in a way that does not create a nuisance to people or a hazard to any property.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Schedule 1 clause 28A: inserted, on , by clause 14 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            28BStructures supporting water pipes

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Building work in connection with a pipe-supporting structure that—

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. is on the ground; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. has an overall height, excluding the pipe, of no more than 1 metre; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. is at least 5 metres from any residential building, public road, railway, or legal boundary; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. is on private land with no public access to the structure; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. supports a single pipe that—
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. has a maximum diameter of 300 millimetres; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. transports only water.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Schedule 1 clause 28B: inserted, on , by clause 14 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        28CGround-mounted solar panel arrays

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Building work in connection with a ground-mounted solar panel array if—

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. the array, if outside a rural zone, does not exceed 20 square metres in size; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. the array is supported by a frame or structure that is on the ground; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. the frame or structure is attached to the ground by more than a single post; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. the distance from the top of the array to the ground does not exceed 4 metres; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. the array is at least 5 metres from any residential building, public road, railway, or legal boundary; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. either—
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. the design wind speeds do not exceed 44 metres per second (calculated using Verification Method B1/VM1); or
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. the array is located in a wind zone no greater than high (as defined in Acceptable Solution B1/AS1).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Schedule 1 clause 28C: inserted, on , by clause 14 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Network utility operators or other similar organisations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      29Certain structures owned or controlled by network utility operators or other similar organisations

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Building work in connection with a motorway sign, stopbank, culvert for carrying water under or in association with a road, or other similar structure that is—

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. a simple structure; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. owned or controlled by a network utility operator or other similar organisation.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Demolition

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          30Demolition of detached building

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. The complete demolition of a building that is detached and is not more than 3 storeys.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          31Removal of building element

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. The removal of a building element from a building that is not more than 3 storeys, provided that the removal does not affect—

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. the primary structure of the building; or
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. any specified system; or
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. any fire separation.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2Sanitary plumbing and drainlaying carried out by person authorised under Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Plumbing and drainage

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                32Repair, maintenance, and replacement

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. The repair and maintenance of any sanitary plumbing and drainage in or associated with a building, provided that comparable building products are used.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Replacement of sanitary plumbing and drainage in or associated with a building, provided that—

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. a comparable building product or assembly is used; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. the replacement is in the same position.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. However, subclauses (1) and (2) do not include the following building work:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. complete or substantial replacement of a specified system; or
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. repair or replacement (other than maintenance) of any building product or assembly that has failed to satisfy the provisions of the building code for durability, for example, through a failure to comply with the external moisture requirements of the building code; or
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. repair or replacement of any water heater (unless permitted under clauses 36 to 38).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Schedule 1 clause 32(1): amended, on , by section 99(11) of the Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 21).
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Schedule 1 clause 32(2)(a): amended, on , by section 99(12) of the Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 21).
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Schedule 1 clause 32(3)(b): amended, on , by section 99(12) of the Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 21).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          33Drainage access points

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. The opening and reinstatement of any purpose-made access point within a drainage system that is not a NUO system or part of a NUO system.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          34Minor alteration to drains

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Alteration to drains for a dwelling if the alteration is of a minor nature, for example, shifting a gully trap.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Subclause (1) does not include making any new connection to a service provided by a network utility operator.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          35Alteration to existing sanitary plumbing (excluding water heaters)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Alteration to existing sanitary plumbing in a building, provided that—

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. the total number of sanitary fixtures in the building is not increased by the alteration; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. the alteration does not modify or affect any specified system.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Subclause (1) does not include an alteration to a water heater.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Water heaters

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              36Repair and maintenance of existing water heater

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. The repair or maintenance of any existing water heater using comparable building products or a comparable assembly.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Schedule 1 clause 36: amended, on , by section 99(13) of the Building (Building Products and Methods, Modular Components, and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (2021 No 21).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              37Replacement of open-vented water storage heater connected to supplementary heat exchanger

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. The replacement of any water-storage heater connected to a solid-fuel heater or other supplementary heat exchanger if the replacement—

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. is a comparable open-vented water storage heater; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. is fixed in the same position, and uses the same pipework, as the replaced water storage heater.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  38Replacement or repositioning of water heater that is connected to, or incorporates, controlled heat source

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. The replacement of any water heater (including the repositioning of an existing water heater) if the replacement water heater is connected to, or incorporates, a controlled heat source or, if connected to or incorporating more than 1 heat source, 2 or more heat sources all of which are controlled.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3Building work for which design is carried out or reviewed by chartered professional engineer

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  39Signs

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Building work in connection with any sign (whether freestanding or attached to a structure) and any structural support of the sign.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  40Plinths

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Building work in connection with any plinth or similar foundation if the plinth or foundation supports plant, a tank, equipment, machinery, or any similar item.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  41Retaining walls

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Building work in connection with a retaining wall in a rural zone, if—

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. the wall retains not more than 3 metres depth of ground; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. the distance between the wall and any legal boundary or existing building is at least the height of the wall.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. In subclause (1), rural zone means any zone or area (other than a rural residential area) that, in the district plan of the territorial authority in whose district the building work is to be undertaken, is described as a rural zone, rural resource area, or rural environment, or by words of similar meaning.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Schedule 1 clause 41(2): amended, on , by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      42Certain public playground equipment

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Building work in connection with playground equipment if the work is for a government department, Crown entity, licensed early childhood centre, territorial or regional authority, or other similar public organisation.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      43Single-storey detached buildings exceeding 10, but not exceeding 30, square metres in floor area (where kitset or prefabricated)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Building work in connection with any detached building if—

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. the building is a kitset or prefabricated building, and the product manufacturer or supplier has complied with subclause (3); and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. the building work is carried out in accordance with the design referred to in subclause (3); and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. the building—
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. is not more than 1 storey (being a floor level of up to 1 metre above the supporting ground and a height of up to 3.5 metres above the floor level); and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. exceeds 10 square metres in floor area, but does not exceed 30 square metres; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. does not contain sanitary facilities or facilities for the storage of potable water; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. does not include sleeping accommodation, unless the building is used in connection with a dwelling and does not contain any cooking facilities; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. if it includes sleeping accommodation, has smoke alarms installed.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. However, subclause (1) does not include building work in connection with a building that is closer than the measure of its own height to any residential building or to any legal boundary.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. The product manufacturer or supplier (as defined in section 14G) must have had the design of the building carried out or reviewed by a chartered professional engineer.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Schedule 1 clause 43: replaced, on , by clause 15 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    44Carports exceeding 20, but not exceeding 40, square metres in floor area

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Building work in connection with a carport that—

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. is on the ground level; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. exceeds 20 square metres in floor area, but does not exceed 40 square metres.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Schedule 1 clause 44: inserted, on , by clause 15 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        45Awnings exceeding 20, but not exceeding 30, square metres in size

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Building work in connection with an awning that—

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. is on or attached to an existing building; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. in on the ground level of the building; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. exceeds 20 square metres in size, but does not exceed 30 square metres; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. does not overhang any area accessible by the public, including private areas with limited public access, for example, restaurants and bars.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Schedule 1 clause 45: inserted, on , by clause 15 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                46Porches and verandas exceeding 20, but not exceeding 30, square metres in floor area

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Building work in connection with a porch or a veranda that—

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. is on or attached to an existing building; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. is on the ground level of the building; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. exceeds 20 square metres in floor area, but does not exceed 30 square metres; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. does not overhang any area accessible by the public, including private areas with limited public access, for example, restaurants and bars.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Schedule 1 clause 46: inserted, on , by clause 15 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        47Short-span bridges on private land

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Building work in connection with a bridge that—

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. has a span of less than 6 metres; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. does not span a road, a railway, or any other area with public access; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. is not used by the general public; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. has a safety barrier.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. However, subclause (1) does not apply to a bridge from which it is possible to fall further than 3 metres even if it collapses.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Schedule 1 clause 47: inserted, on , by clause 15 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                48Ground-mounted solar panel arrays exceeding 20, but not exceeding 40, square metres in size (outside rural zones)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Building work in connection with a ground-mounted solar panel array outside a rural zone if—

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. the array is supported by a frame or structure that is on the ground; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. the frame or structure is attached to the ground by more than a single post; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. the distance from the top of the array to the ground does not exceed 4 metres; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. the array exceeds 20 square metres in size, but does not exceed 40 square metres; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. the array is at least 5 metres from any residential building, public road, railway, or legal boundary; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. either—
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. the design wind speeds do not exceed 44 metres per second (calculated using Verification Method B1/VM1); or
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. the array is located in a wind zone no greater than high (as defined in Acceptable Solution B1/AS1).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Schedule 1 clause 48: inserted, on , by clause 15 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              49Single-storey pole sheds and hay barns

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Building work in connection with a pole shed or hay barn in a rural zone if—

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. the building is not more than 1 storey (being a floor level of up to 1 metre above the supporting ground and a height of up to 4 metres above the floor level); and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. the building does not exceed 110 square metres in floor area; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. the maximum unsupported roof span in any direction does not exceed 6 metres; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. the building is not accessible by the public; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. the building is not used to store hazardous substances within the meaning of that term in regulation 4 of the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017; and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. either—
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. the design wind speeds do not exceed 44 metres per second (calculated using Verification Method B1/VM1); or
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. the building is located in a wind zone no greater than high (as defined in Acceptable Solution B1/AS1).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. However, subclause (1) does not include any building work in connection with a building that is closer than the measure of its own height to any residential building, public road, railway, or legal boundary.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Schedule 1 clause 49: inserted, on , by clause 15 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            50Removal of structures

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. The removal of any of the structures referred to in clauses 39 to 49, whether or not the design of the structure has been carried out or reviewed by a chartered professional engineer.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Schedule 1 clause 50: inserted, on , by clause 15 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1AAInterpretation

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. In this schedule, unless the context otherwise requires,—

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Acceptable Solution B1/AS1 means Acceptable Solution B1/AS1 as set out in the Acceptable Solution for New Zealand Building Code Clause B1 Structure, issued by the chief executive under section 22 and available on the Ministry’s Internet site, as in force on 28 November 2019

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                rural zone, in relation to building work, means any zone or area (other than a rural residential area) that, in the district plan of the territorial authority in whose district the building work is to be undertaken, is described as a rural zone, rural resource area, or rural environment, or by words of similar meaning

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Verification Method B1/VM1 means Verification Method B1/VM1 as set out in the Verification Method for New Zealand Building Code Clause B1 Structure, issued by the chief executive under section 22 and available on the Ministry’s Internet site, as in force on 28 November 2019.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Notes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Schedule 1 clause 1AA: inserted, on , by clause 4 of the Building (Exempt Building Work) Order 2020 (LI 2020/171).
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Schedule 1 clause 1AA rural zone: amended, on , by section 6 of the Resource Management (Natural and Built Environment and Spatial Planning Repeal and Interim Fast-track Consenting) Act 2023 (2023 No 68).