If you’re planning to build a pole shed on rural land, there’s a strong chance it could be exempt from building consent, based on your shed meeting the right criteria.
However, if you’re after a larger shed or need clearspan space without internal supports, chances are your design will require building consent. At Alpine, we’ve spent over 30 years helping clients get their ideal sheds approved and built, with thousands of consents successfully lodged. If your shed design doesn't meet the exemption criteria, our team knows how to navigate the complexities of the consent process efficiently.
In this blog, we’ll explain when a rural pole shed qualifies for exemption — and how we can support you when it doesn’t.
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In New Zealand, most building projects require consent from your local council to ensure they meet the Building Code. But not every structure needs one. That’s where building consent exemptions come into play.
An exemption means you’re legally allowed to carry out specific building work without going through the full consent process, provided you follow specific rules.
The goal? To free up simple, low-risk projects from unnecessary red tape.
Sheds are one of the most common structures that fall under these exemptions, especially under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, which outlines what types of building work are exempt.
However, it is important to note that not every shed is exempt.
If you’re planning to build a pole shed on rural land, there’s a strong chance it could be exempt from building consent—but only if it meets a specific set of criteria outlined in Clause 2.6 of Schedule 1 of the Building Act.
To qualify, your shed must:
The shed must also be used only for farming activities, can not be open to the public, and cannot store hazardous substances as defined in the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017.
Even if building consent isn’t required, you still need to comply with district planning rules. That means checking things like site coverage, boundary setbacks, and height restrictions. A resource consent may still be necessary, depending on your local council.
Professional Involvement: The design must be carried out or reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer. Alternatively, a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) can carry out or supervise both the design and construction.
By meticulously adhering to these specifications and considerations and engaging with qualified professionals, you can confidently proceed with your pole shed project, ensuring both compliance and efficiency.
Applying for a building consent exemption for a pole shed isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about proving that your shed meets all the right criteria from the start.
Here’s how to do it right:
1. Get your design signed off by a Chartered Professional Engineer. (Alpine will do this for you).At Alpine, we work closely with engineers and councils, and we know exactly what’s needed to make the process smoother.
By sticking to the size limits and understanding the council process, you can avoid council consent fees and keep your project moving.
At Alpine, we’ve helped countless Kiwis navigate this exact process. From engineer-reviewed designs to guidance through the exemption steps, we’re here to make it easier.
While consent-exempt sheds are a great option for some, they’re not always practical. If you’re after a larger shed, or need clearspan space without internal supports, chances are your design will require building consent.
At Alpine, we’ve spent over 30 years helping clients get their ideal sheds approved and built, with thousands of consents successfully lodged. if your shed design doesnt meet exemption criteria, our team knows how to navigate the complexities of the consent process efficiently - click here to learn more.
If your shed does require a building consent, and you want to know more about the costs involved, click here.
Want to explore a range of priced, consent-exempt sheds? Take a look at Easy Kit, our newest division that provides centrepole, consent-exempt sheds > Kitset Centrepole Sheds by Easy Kit.