Rules for detached minor homes change
Environmental standards for detached minor residential units are being changed, affecting some home projects.
Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units) Amendment Regulations 2026
What's changing
- Setbacks between the main home and a detached minor residential unit are measured between the outside faces of their external walls.
- Setbacks from boundaries are measured from the boundary to the outside face of the detached minor residential unit’s external wall.
Who's affected
People planning or assessing a detached minor residential unit under the 2025 environmental standards are affected.
When
These changes take effect on 11 September 2026.
What you might need to do
- Check your plans use the new setback measurement points.
- Ask your council to assess setback distances using these measurements.
Background
The regulations clarify how certain setbacks under the 2025 standards must be measured.