MINOR HOUSEHOLD UNITS

Once called ‘granny flats’ and built for extended family or aging parents, Minor Household Units today are a cost effective alternative to Aged Care Homes or separate houses on separate sections.

 

Building a Minor Household Unit on an already existing title significantly boosts the return of a property through both rental earnings and capital appreciation, however an awareness of Council regulations, processes and specialists required, is essential.

 

The following are the main points to be considered:

 

• Council Zoning
• Minimum land area for both Main Household Unit and Minor Household Units
• Maximum floor area of Minor Household units are 65sqm for Waitakere District and 60sqm for all other Auckland Districts
• Private open spaces for Main Household Unit and Minor Household Units
• Car parking and possible on site vehicle maneuvering for both Units
• Site coverage for both Units
• Minimum building separation
• Building Yards
• Maximum Building Heights
• Daylight Indicators
• Unitary Plan Rules
• Possible Topographical Survey
• Possible Geotechnical Report
• Possible Structural Engineering Design
• Possible Roof Truss Design
• Possible Public Drain location, CCTV report and Watercare Approval
• Possible Flood Assessment Report
• Possible Arborist Report
• Possible Fire Engineer Report
• New Public Drainage dependent on land area

 

Generally a site with a Main Household Unit and Minor Household Unit cannot be subdivided.

 

Due to Minor Household Units comprising Restricted Building Works, a Building Consent application will be required.

 

A Resource Consent Application will be required to ensure all Council planning infringements are approved.

 

Learn more about the Council Building and Resource Consent Processes here.