New Shed Boundary Rules: What you'll want to know

If you're planning to add a garden shed to your property in New Zealand, there's exciting news on the horizon. Recently announced updates to the Building Act could make it easier to position sheds closer to boundaries, reducing red tape and costs for Kiwi homeowners. At Goodwood NZ, we're keeping a close eye on these developments to help you make informed decisions about your outdoor storage solutions. While the changes aren't in effect yet, they're expected to simplify rules for garden sheds, sleepouts, and similar structures by late 2025.

Current Garden Shed Boundary Rules in NZ

Under existing regulations, single-storey detached buildings like garden sheds must be placed at a distance from the property boundary or another residential building equal to their height. For example, a 2-metre tall shed needs to be at least 2 metres away from the fence—unless you obtain building consent, which can involve time, fees, and paperwork. This rule, part of the Building Act's Schedule 1 exemptions, has often frustrated homeowners with smaller sections, leading to unnecessary complications for simple projects.

Most current customers just have a friendly chat to their neighbours and put their new shed where they want on the section. 

What's Changing for Shed Boundary Distances?

The government has signaled plans to ease these restrictions based on public feedback. For small structures under 10 square metres, the minimum distance requirement from boundaries or other buildings could be removed entirely. This means you might be able to build right up to the edge of your property without needing consent, as long as other safety and compliance standards are met.

For larger garden sheds between 10 and 30 square metres, the setback could be reduced to just 1 metre. These adjustments aim to address modern challenges like shrinking lot sizes and rising costs, making it more practical to install sheds for storage, hobbies, or workshops. However, remember that these are anticipated changes—final details and implementation are still pending, so always check with your local council for the latest advice.

Benefits for NZ Homeowners and Garden Shed Buyers

If these updates go ahead as planned, installing a garden shed in NZ could become quicker and more affordable. No more jumping through hoops for consents on minor placements, potentially saving you hundreds in fees. This is great news for those searching for "shed boundary rules New Zealand" or "can I build a shed closer to the fence NZ," as it opens up more flexible options on compact properties.

At www.goodwood.nz, our range of high-quality, durable garden sheds comes in sizes from under 10 sqm to larger models, perfect for these evolving regulations. Whether you need a compact tool shed or a spacious workshop, our NZ-made products are designed for easy assembly and compliance.

Stay Informed and Get Started

While we await the official rollout of these new building regulations for sheds in 2025, it's a good time to plan your project. Search terms like "garden sheds closer to boundary NZ" or "exempt shed building work New Zealand" are buzzing right now, and Goodwood is here to guide you. Contact us today for a quote on custom sheds that fit your space—visit www.goodwood.nz or call our team. Let's make your backyard vision a reality, boundary-friendly and hassle-free!

Source: Green light for garden sheds and garages | Beehive.govt.nz