Detached Minor Residential Units (DMRUs) – National Direction (2025)

In 2025, the Government introduced the National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units (NES-DMRU), which allowed for the establishment of “a minor residential unit that is completely detached from its principal residential unit” on a site, subject to several criteria. The Dunedin City Second Generation District Plan (2GP) already permits detached minor residential units (DMRU) in certain zones - called ancillary residential units or family flats. The NES-DMRU creates specific DMRU rules and specifies which 2GP rules still apply to your detached minor residential unit.

What is permitted without resource consent?

A detached minor residential unit can be built without resource consent if it complies with the NES-DMRU permitted standards and specific rules of the 2GP.

One DMRU is permitted per site, and it must have an existing primary dwelling.
All of the following standards must be met:
- Maximum floor area: 70m².
- Maximum site coverage: 50% (in residential zones).
- Setback from primary dwelling: at least 2m.
- Setbacks from boundaries:
  - Residential – 2m front/side/rear boundary setback.
  - Rural – 10m front yard & 5m side/rear yard setback.
The 2GP rules listed below must be met:
- Subdivision.
- Natural, cultural heritage protection and other matters of national importance under the Resource Management Act (RMA).
- Non-residential use of the unit.
- Papakāinga (communal Māori housing).
- Earthworks.
- Natural hazards and safety (including setbacks from infrastructure or hazards).
- Infrastructure servicing requirements.

If any of these rules are breached, resource consent will still be required.

Detailed information on which 2GP rules still apply to DMRUs can be found below.

Detached Minor Residential Units (DMRU)

The following four tables show the 2GP rules that still apply under the NES-DMRU to DMRUs in any of the residential, rural or, rural residential zones or in any of the following commercial and mixed-use zones: Harbourside Edge, Princes, Parry and Harrow Street, Smith Street and York Place, and Warehouse Precinct zones.

In these tables, the first column sets out the NES-DMRU regulations, the second column sets out the corresponding rule or standard and the third shows which 2GP rules you still need to consider for your DMRU to be permitted under the NES-DMRU.

Not every rule found in this table will apply in every situation.

Important: Other 2GP rules still apply.

Table 1: Residential zones

NES-DMRU Regulation	NES-DMRU rule or standard	Impact of NES-DMRU on 2GP rule
Density (Reg 5(1)(c))	1 DMRU per site.	This DMRU regulation applies.
Maximum floor area (Reg 6(a))	Floor area must be equal to or less than 70m².	This DMRU regulation applies.
Building coverage (Reg 6(b))	The building coverage for the site must be no more than 50%.	This DMRU regulation applies except in the Inner City Residential (ICR) Zone where a 60% maximum building site coverage applies.
Setback from principal residential unit (Reg 6(c))	The DRMU must be set back no less than 2m from the principal residential unit.	This DMRU regulation applies. No equivalent 2GP rule in Residential zones.
Setback from boundary (Reg 6(d))	The DMRU must be set back no less than 2m from the front, side, and rear boundaries of the site.	This DMRU regulation applies, except where there is a 1m setback from side and rear boundaries in the “Gardens, Mornington, Mosgiel, South Dunedin, and Caversham Mapped Areas” of General Residential 2 Zone, and, in the Inner City Residential Zone.
District plan rules relating to: Subdivision Matters of national importance (s6 RMA) The use of DMRU other than for residential purposes Papakāinga Earthworks. (Reg 7(1), (2))	A DMRU must comply with district plan provisions for these matters if they are applicable to the DMRU.	DMRUs are subject to: Rule 8A.3.2 Activity Status table – earthworks activities Rule 8A.5 Earthworks performance standards Rule 15.3.4.21 Development activity status – New buildings within a scheduled heritage site Rule 15.3.5 Subdivision activity status table Rule 15.6.14.2 Maximum area of vegetation clearance in a hazard overlay zone Rule 15.7 Subdivision performance standards Rule 15.6.13.3 Setback from coast and water bodies Rule 15.6.15 Service Connections – Stormwater for Development Structure plan mapped area rules that relate to the matters in Reg 7(2).
District plan rules and standards applying to the DRMUs principal unit and managing effects relating to health and safety, including: Natural hazard risk Reverse sensitivity Site specific infrastructure requirements. (Reg 7(3))	A DRMU must comply with the rules and standards in a district plan that apply to the principal residential unit and manage effects relating to health and safety, including those relating to: any natural hazard risk not covered under Reg 2(b) (for example of minimal floor level requirements) reverse sensitivity site-specific infrastructure requirements (for example, infrastructure requirements relating with drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater).	DMRUs are subject to: Rule 15.3.6 Activity Status in Hazard 1 (Flood) Overlay Zone and Hazard 2 (Flood) Overlay Zone Rule 15.5.1 Acoustic Insulation Rule 15.5.5 Light Spill Rule 15.5.13 Setback from National Grid Rule 15.6.3 Firefighting Rule 15.6.4 Natural Hazards Performance Standards Rule 15.6.5 Hazardous Substances Quantity Limits and Storage Requirements Rule 15.6.6.2.b Taieri Aerodrome flight fan mapped area height restriction Rule 15.6.12 Parking, Loading and Access Standards Rule 15.6.13.4 Setback from National Grid Rule 15.6.13.5 Setback from Critical Electricity Distribution Infrastructure Rule 15.6.13.6 Setback from designated rail corridor Structure plan mapped area rules that relate to the matters in Reg 7(3).

Table 2: Rural zones

NES-DMRU Regulation	NES-DMRU rule or standard	Impact of NES-DMRU on 2GP rule
Density (Reg 5(1)(d))	1 unit per site.	This DMRU regulation applies.
Maximum floor area (Reg 6(a))	Floor area must be equal to or less than 70m².	This DMRU regulation applies.
Building coverage (Reg 6(b))	The building coverage for the site must comply with a district plan in a Rural Zone.	N/A. No building coverage rule in 2GP Rural zones.
Setback from principal residential unit (Reg 6(c))	The DRMU must be set back no less than 2m from the principal residential unit.	This DMRU regulation applies. No equivalent 2GP rule in rural zones.
Setback from boundary (Reg 6(d))	The DMRU must be set back no less than 10m from the front boundary and 5m from the side and rear boundaries of the site.	This DMRU regulation applies.
District plan rules relating to: Subdivision Matters of national importance (s6 RMA) The use of DMRU other than for residential purposes Papakāinga Earthworks. (Reg 7(1), (2))	A DMRU must comply with district plan provisions for these matters if they are applicable to the DMRU.	DMRUs are subject to: Rule 8A.3.2 Activity Status table – earthworks activities Rule 8A.5 Earthworks performance standards Rule 16.3.3.26 Land use activity status - Papakāika Rule 16.3.4.3. Development activity status - New buildings in Outstanding Natural Landscapes / Outstanding Natural Features / Outstanding Natural Coastal Character / High Natural Coastal Character / Areas of Significant Biodiversity Value Rule 16.3.4.16. New buildings on a scheduled heritage site Rule 16.6.6.1 / 10.3.5 Area, number and location of buildings and structures performance standard – for Outstanding Natural Landscapes only (DMRUs in Significant Natural Landscape and Natural Coastal Characters do not need to comply) Rule 16.6.6.1 Area, number and location of buildings and structures in Areas of Significant Biodiversity Value Rule 16.6.10.5 Setback from coast and water bodies Rule 16.6.11.2 Indigenous vegetation clearance - small scale thresholds – in relation to Areas of Significant Biodiversity Value Rule 16.6.11.3 Protected areas (vegetation clearance) – in relation to Areas of Significant Biodiversity Value Rule 16.6.11.4 Protected species (indigenous vegetation clearance) – in relation to Areas of Significant Biodiversity Value Rule 16.6.11.5 Maximum area of vegetation clearance in a hazard overlay zone Rule 16.7 Subdivision performance standards.
District plan rules and standards applying to the DRMUs principal unit and managing effects relating to health and safety, including: Natural hazard risk Reverse sensitivity Site specific infrastructure requirements. (Reg 7(3))	A DRMU must comply with the rules and standards in a district plan that apply to the principal residential unit and manage effects relating to health and safety, including those relating to: any natural hazard risk not covered under Reg 2(b) (for example of minimal floor level requirements) reverse sensitivity site-specific infrastructure requirements (for example, infrastructure requirements relating with drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater).	DMRUs are subject to: Rule 16.3.6 Activity Status in Hazard 1 (Flood), Hazard 1A (Flood) and Hazard 2 (Flood) Overlay Zones Rule 16.5.1 Acoustic Insulation Rule 16.5.5 Light Spill Rule 16.5.10 Separation Distances Rule 16.5.11 Setback from National Grid Rule 16.6.1 Firefighting Rule 16.6.2 Natural Hazards Performance Standards Rule 16.6.3 Hazardous Substances Quantity Limits and Storage Requirements Rule 16.6.5.3 Taieri Aerodrome flight fan mapped area height restriction Rule 16.6.8 Parking, Loading and Access Standards Rule 16.6.10.3 Setback from National Grid Rule 16.6.10.6 Setback from Critical Electricity Distribution Infrastructure.

Table 3: Rural Residential zones

NES- DMRU Regulation	NES-DMRU rule or standard	Impact of DMRU-NES on 2GP rule
Density (Reg 5(1)(d))	1 unit per site.	This DMRU regulation applies.
Maximum floor area (Reg 6(a))	Floor area must be equal to or less than 70m².	This DMRU regulation applies.
Building coverage (Reg 6(b))	The building coverage for the site must comply with a district plan in a Rural Residential Zone.	N/A. No building coverage rule in 2GP Rural Residential zones.
Setback from principal residential unit (Reg 6(c))	The DRMU must be set back no less than 2m from the principal residential unit.	This DMRU regulation applies. No equivalent 2GP rule in Rural Residential zones.
Setback from boundary (Reg 6(d))	The DMRU must be set back no less than 10m from the front boundary and 5m from the side and rear boundaries of the site.	This DMRU regulation applies.
District plan rules relating to: Subdivision Matters of national importance (s6 RMA) The use of DMRU other than for residential purposes Papakāinga Earthworks. (Reg 7(1), (2))	A DMRU must comply with district plan provisions for these matters if they are applicable to the DMRU.	DMRUs are subject to: Rule 8A.3.2 Activity Status table – earthworks activities Rule 8A.5 Earthworks performance standards Rule 17.3.5 Subdivision activity status table Rule 17.6.6 Number, Location and Design of Ancillary Signs in relation to Outstanding Natural Landscapes / Outstanding Natural Feature / High Natural Coastal Character Rule 17.6.9.5 Setback from coast and water bodies Rule 17.6.10.2 Indigenous vegetation clearance - small scale thresholds – in relation to Areas of Significant Biodiversity Value Rule 17.6.10.3 Protected areas (vegetation clearance) – in relation to Areas of Significant Biodiversity Value Rule 17.6.10.4 Protected species (indigenous vegetation clearance) – in relation to Areas of Significant Biodiversity Value Rule 17.6.10.5 Maximum area of vegetation clearance in the hazard overlay zone Rule 17.6.11 Area, number and location of buildings and structures in Outstanding Natural Landscapes and Areas of Significant Biodiversity Value Rule 17.7 Subdivision performance standards.
District plan rules and standards applying to the DRMUs principal unit and managing effects relating to health and safety, including: Natural hazard risk Reverse sensitivity Site specific infrastructure requirements. (Reg 7(3))	A DRMU must comply with the rules and standards in a district plan that apply to the principal residential unit and manage effects relating to health and safety, including those relating to: any natural hazard risk not covered under Reg 2(b) (for example of minimal floor level requirements) reverse sensitivity site-specific infrastructure requirements (for example, infrastructure requirements relating with drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater).	DMRUs are subject to: Rule 17.3.6 Activity Status in Hazard 1 (Flood) Overlay Zone and Hazard 2 (Flood) Overlay Zone Rule 17.5.1 Acoustic Insulation Rule 17.5.5 Light Spill Rule 17.5.10 Separation distances Rule 17.5.11 Setback from National Grid Rule 17.6.1 Firefighting Rule 17.6.2 Natural Hazards Performance Standards Rule 17.6.3 Hazardous Substances Quantity Limits and Storage Requirements Rule 17.6.5.1.d Taieri Aerodrome flight fan mapped area height restriction Rule 17.6.7 Parking, Loading and Access Standards Rule 17.6.9.4 Setback from National Grid Rule 17.6.9.5 Setback from coast and water bodies Rule 17.6.9.6 Setback from Critical Electricity Distribution Infrastructure.

Table 4: Commercial and Mixed Use zones - Harbourside Edge, Princes, Parry and Harrow Street, Smith Street and York Place, and Warehouse Precinct zones

NES- DMRU Regulation	NES-DMRU rule or standard	Impact of DMRU-NES on 2GP rule
Density (Reg 5(1)(b))	1 unit per site.	These DMRU regulations apply. However, cl9 of NES-DRMU allows for more lenient rules, and because there are no density, maximum floor area, building coverage or setback from the principal residential unit rules in the Commercial and Mixed Use Zone, then more than one and larger residential units are provided for. DMRUs must still comply with relevant requirements for exemption under the Building Act.
Maximum floor area (Reg 6(a))	Floor area must be equal to or less than 70m².
Building coverage (Reg 6(b))	The building coverage for the site must comply with a district plan in a Commercial and Mixed Use Zone.
Setback from principal residential unit (Reg 6(c))	The DRMU must be set back no less than 2m from the principal residential unit.
Setback from boundary (Reg 6(d))	The DMRU must comply with the site setback requirements in a district plan in a Mixed Use Zone.	DMRUs are subject to Rule 18.6.16 Setbacks.
District plan rules relating to: Subdivision Matters of national importance (s6 RMA) The use of DMRU other than for residential purposes Papakāinga Earthworks. (Reg 7(1), (2))	A DMRU must comply with district plan provisions for these matters if they are applicable to the DMRU.	DMRUs are subject to: Rule 8A.3.2 Activity Status table – earthworks activities Rule 8A.5 Earthworks performance standards Rule 18.3.7 Subdivision activity status table Rule 18.7 Subdivision Performance Standards.
District plan rules and standards applying to the DRMUs principal unit and managing effects relating to health and safety, including: Natural hazard risk Reverse sensitivity Site specific infrastructure requirements. (Reg 7(3))	A DRMU must comply with the rules and standards in a district plan that apply to the principal residential unit and manage effects relating to health and safety, including those relating to: any natural hazard risk not covered under Reg 2(b) (for example of minimal floor level requirements) reverse sensitivity site-specific infrastructure requirements (for example, infrastructure requirements relating with drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater).	DMRUs are subject to: Rule 18.3.4.32.b and d Land Use Activity Status Table (Central Business District Edge and Mixed Use Zones) - Standard residential activity status Rule 18.3.8 Activity Status in the Hazard 2 (Flood) Overlay Zone Rule 18.5.1 Acoustic Insulation Rule 18.5.2 Setback from National Grid Rule 18.5.3 Light Spill Rule 18.6.4 Firefighting Rule 18.6.6 Natural Hazards Performance Standards Rule 18.6.7 Hazardous Substances Quantity Limits and Storage Requirements Rule 18.6.14 Parking, Loading and Access Standards.

What other planning rules apply? (Regulation 8 of the NES-DMRU)

A DMRU must comply with any rules in a regional plan that are applicable to the DMRU. The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is responsible for regional plans – please see their website for further information: Otago Regional Council.

Is a building consent needed?

The NES-DMRU does not limit or affect any other legislative requirements that may apply to a DMRU, including the requirements of the Building Act 2004.

However, the Government has also recently introduced an exemption for ‘granny flats’. To find out more about this exemption, please see: Do you need consent.

Where can I get more information?

Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units) Regulations 2025

Updating National Direction New-National Environmental Standards for Detached Minor Residential Units

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