Granny Flat Check

The details

Why this result

Hazard maps, check by check

Space, the flat and greywater

Title and driveway

Another home on the same title

Water tank

Who carries the risk

You do. Under the granny flat rules, compliance rests with the homeowner, not council.
With your PIM, council ticks whether the land is "likely", "unlikely" or "uncertain" to be hit by a natural hazard. Under section 392A of the Building Act, you can't sue council over that tick if it was given in good faith.
No one checks your completion papers. Under section 42C(2), council has no duty to check them. They just go on the property file.
Tell your insurer in writing before you build. Natural Hazards Commission cover only comes with a private home policy that covers the flat.

The other basic rules

New, single storey, stand-alone, 70 m² or less.
At least 2 m from the boundary and from other homes.
No more than half the section covered by buildings (residential zones).
No car parks needed. The national granny flat rules stop council asking for parking. Still check you're not building over your only driveway, and that builders can get materials in.
There must already be a main house on the section. One granny flat per section.
Designed and built by licensed people (LBPs, plumber, drainlayer, electrician).
PIM from council first. They have 10 working days. No work before it arrives.
Finish within 2 years of the PIM. Send all records to council within 20 working days of finishing, or face a $500 fine.
Kāpiti also needs a second water source for every new home: a 10,000 L rainwater tank, or a 4,000 L tank plus greywater.
Porirua needs a stormwater detention tank (hydraulic neutrality device) on new buildings over 40 m², and a water meter.

What to do next

Order a LIM for the property. It lists flooding, ponding, coastal and fault information.
Book a free chat with a council duty planner: 0800 486 486.
Book a chat with a Porirua City Council duty planner.
Book a chat with your council’s duty planner, and ask about hazards and water rules.
If anything is flagged, ask your designer whether the consent route is safer.
Apply for the PIM online through My Kāpiti, form 2AA.
Apply for the PIM through Porirua City Council.
Apply for the PIM through your council.