New Boundary Rules Are Coming

Shed Yeah!! New Boundary Rules Are Coming

Here’s what you need to know and why it matters.

If you’ve ever tried to squeeze a shed into that awkward corner of your section only to be told, “Sorry mate, it’s too close to the fence,” then you’re going to like this. The Government has announced that it’s finally taking the red tape trimmers to the rules that dictate where you can stick a shed, garage or sleepout on your property.

Yep, those confusing boundary rules that have caused more than a few headaches (and a few sheds awkwardly placed right in the middle of otherwise good lawns) are on the chopping block. Under the current system, any shed or garage needs to be set back from your boundary by at least its height. So if your shed stands 2.4 m tall, you’ve got to build it 2.4 m away from your fence—unless you fork out for building consent. And anyone who’s been down that paperwork path knows it’s not exactly a quick, or cheap stroll.

But times are changing. According to Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk, the goal is to remove unnecessary rules and give Kiwis the freedom to make better use of their backyards—without all the council run around.

So what’s actually being proposed?

Here’s what the Government has signalled:

• • The old “height = setback” rule will be scrapped

    No more measuring your shed’s height and then pacing out metres from the fence. This rule is on its way out.

  • Structures under 10 m² will be allowed right up to the boundary line
    

    If your shed or sleepout is under 10 square metres and under 3.5 metres high, you’ll be able to build it snug against your fence—no consent required.

  • Buildings between 10–30 m² will only need a 1 m setback
    

    That’s a huge shift from the current system and lines up with the existing MBIE exemptions for low-risk buildings. If it’s under 3.5 m high and meets the other conditions, you’re good to go—no piles of paperwork.

These changes are expected to kick in by the end of 2025!

No more measuring your shed’s height and then pacing out metres from the fence. This rule is on its way out.
Structures under 10 m² will be allowed right up to the boundary line. If your shed or sleepout is under 10 square metres and under 3.5 metres high, you’ll be able to build it snug against your fence—no consent required.Buildings between 10–30 m² will only need a 1 m setback. That’s a huge shift from the current system and lines up with the existing MBIE exemptions for low-risk buildings. If it’s under 3.5 m high and meets the other conditions, you’re good to go—no piles of paperwork.

What this means for your backyard dreams

Whether you’re planning to chuck up a small tool shed, create a quiet sleepout retreat, or finally build that man-cave-slash-garden-retreat you’ve been banging on about since last summer, this proposed law change could save you a heap of time, cash, and council conversations.

It means:

• • • You can make the most of your space without sticking a shed awkwardly in the middle of your lawn.
    • Projects can move faster without weeks of waiting on approvals.
    • You don’t need a law degree to understand where you’re allowed to build anymore.

What you can do now (besides crack a cold one)

While we all wait for the official legislation to pass, there’s still plenty you can do to get ready:

• • Start planning now

    Got a project in mind? Now’s a good time to work out where you’ll place it once these changes come in. Less setback means more options.

  • Understand the current exemptions

    If your build is 30 m² or smaller, it may already qualify for consent-free construction under Schedule 1 of the Building Act. Especially if it’s a kitset or built under the supervision of an licensed building practitioner.

  • Keep an eye on updates

    As soon as the new rules are locked in, we’ll break it all down for you in plain English, right here in the InfoHub.

Need a shed that’ll fit your space now—or when the rules change?

Check out New Zealand’s largest range of garden sheds and find one that suits your backyard (and your future plans). 

Browse the Duratuf full range HERE