National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units 2025

As communities evolve, there is increasing demand for smaller, affordable dwellings that support diverse living arrangements. Inconsistent rules and resource consent requirements have limited uptake of these developments. NES-DMRU provides a consistent, nationwide framework, making it easier and more affordable to build small homes, complementing recent changes to the Building Act 2004.

The NES-DMRU sets out permitted activity rules and standards that allow for the building of a detached minor residential unit of up to 70 square metres without needing to apply for resource consent if certain requirements are met. The NES-DMRU applies across New Zealand in residential, rural, mixed-use, and Māori-purpose zones, and sets out clear rules for things like building size, setbacks from boundaries, and how close the unit can be to the main house. 

For homeowners, this change removes much of the complexity and cost involved in building a small home for family, whānau, or other uses. It also helps create more affordable housing options and supports diverse living arrangements.  

If you’re considering building a detached minor residential unit, you will also need to check your local council’s rules, alongside the NES-DMRU, to make sure you meet all the necessary standards. 

The Government previously sought feedback on options to make it easier to build small, self-contained and detached houses (granny flats). 

See information on the previous consultation.

The Government consulted on proposals to prepare or amend national direction, including proposed National Environmental Standards for Granny Flats in May to July 2025. Consultation closed on 27 July 2025.  

The name of the proposal has since changed to the National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units. 

A Recommendations and Decisions Report summarising submissions received, officials' recommendations, and the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform's decisions on the proposal is now available.

View the Recommendations and Decisions Report.

View the Infrastructure, development and primary sector national direction consultation

The Governor-General, on recommendation from the Minister Responsible for RMA Reform, approved the National Environmental Standards on 15 December 2025 and they come into force on 15 January 2026.

A minor amendment to the NES-DMRU has been made under section 44(3)(f) of the RMA to clarify how minimum setback requirements are measured. 

Regulation 6 has been amended to clarify the original policy intent, that minimum setback distances from legal boundaries and the principal residential unit are measured from the exterior face of the wall cladding.

This amendment takes effect on 11 September 2026, and confirms the original policy intent that minimum setbacks are measured consistent with the equivalent building consent exemption under the Building Act 2004. 

The Minister Responsible for RMA Reform's reasons for making the amendment are published in the table below to comply with RMA s44(4)(b). This amendment was notified in the New Zealand Gazette on 10 September 2026.