What is Schedule 1?

Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 lists specific types of building work that do not require a building consent due to their low-risk nature. These exemptions are designed to streamline the process for minor works, ensuring that you can proceed with your project without the delays and costs associated with obtaining a building consent.

Key Residential Building Work Exemptions:

General Repair, Maintenance, and Replacement:

You can carry out general repairs and maintenance using comparable materials without needing a building consent.

Replacing components such as windows, doors, or cladding is allowed as long as the replacement is with a similar component in the same position.

Single-Story Detached Buildings Not Exceeding 10 Square Meters:

You can build small, detached structures like sheds, cabins, or sleepouts without a building consent, provided they do not exceed 10 square meters and are not used for sleeping, cooking, or sanitation.

These structures must be at least their own height away from the property boundary and other buildings.

Unoccupied Detached Buildings:

This exemption applies to buildings housing fixed plant or machinery and those that are entered only for routine maintenance. It also includes structures like construction site offices that are not for public use.

Pergolas:

Pergolas are exempt from requiring a building consent as long as they are unroofed structures. This makes them a popular choice for enhancing outdoor living spaces.

Windows and Exterior Doorways in Existing Dwellings:

Installing or replacing windows and exterior doors in existing dwellings up to two stories high is exempt from requiring a consent, provided the original installation met durability requirements.

Conditions and Limits:

While these exemptions allow for significant flexibility, it’s essential to ensure that all work still complies with the Building Code and other relevant regulations. Additionally, some work may still require discretionary exemptions from your local territorial authority, especially if it involves specific conditions or complex projects.

Why These Exemptions Matter:

Understanding these exemptions helps you plan your project more efficiently, reducing unnecessary costs and administrative burdens. For builders and homeowners alike, knowing what work can be done without a consent streamlines the renovation and construction process, allowing for quicker and more cost-effective improvements to residential properties.

Navigating the rules and regulations of building work can be challenging, but understanding Schedule 1 exemptions makes it easier to carry out low-risk residential building projects. Always check with your local council for specific requirements and ensure that all work complies with the Building Code. For more detailed information, refer to the full guidance on the Auckland City Council’s website.

For a complete list of exemptions and detailed guidance, visit the Auckland City Council's

Building Work Consent Not Required Guidance.

Exempt building work guidance