Building consent is the most common source of confusion for first-time dome buyers. The rules are actually more straightforward than most people assume, and Cedar Domes manages the entire process in-house.
The Key Legislation
Building consents in New Zealand are governed by the Building Act 2004 and administered by your local council, known as a Territorial Authority or TA. The Act defines which building work requires consent and which is exempt.
Exempt Work: The 30 m2 Rule
Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 lists categories of exempt building work. The most relevant exemption for dome buyers covers single-storey detached buildings not exceeding 30 m2 in floor area. In practice, councils often apply this broadly to include sleepout-style dwellings, particularly on rural land. Our 20 FT Settler at 29 m2 typically falls into or near this category.
Important: Exempt from building consent does not mean exempt from resource consent. These are completely separate processes under separate legislation.
When You Need Building Consent
Any dome above 30 m2 requires a building consent. This includes our Wanderer at 49 m2, Horizon at 79 m2, and Summit at 117 m2.
The consent process involves application to your TA with plans and specifications, engineering documentation including a PS1 from our structural engineer, council processing at typically 20 working days, an inspection sequence covering foundations, frame, building wrap, insulation, and final, and finally a Code Compliance Certificate issued at the end of the build.
Cedar Domes prepares all documentation in-house and liaises directly with your council. We have completed consents with Auckland Council, Waikato District, Hawke's Bay Regional, Environment Canterbury, and Queenstown Lakes among others.
The Bottom Line
Do not let consent anxiety stop you from moving forward. In almost every case we have seen, the consent pathway is clear and manageable. Get in touch and we will tell you exactly what applies to your specific site before you spend a dollar.
