By 1News Reporters | Tue, Oct 28

Changes which mean homeowners will be able to build small structures like garden sheds, sleepouts and garages closer to their property boundaries without requiring building consent have come into effect. [Read the full article here...]

The changes now in effect:

The 'height to boundary' rule is now scrapped

No more measuring your shed’s height and then pacing out meters from the fence. This rule no longer exists.

Structures under 10 m² are allowed right up to the boundary line

If your shed or sleepout is under 10 square meters and under 3.5 meters high, you can now build it snug against your fence—no consent required.

Buildings between 10–30 m² only need a 1 m setback

If it’s under 3.5 m high and meets the other building code conditions, you’re good to go—no paperwork required.