Type any New Zealand address. Full council hazard checks are live for Kāpiti Coast and Porirua, with more councils coming. We check the council's own hazard maps for that section, the same maps that decide whether you can use the 70 m² granny flat exemption or need a full building consent.
Pick a tool, then tap the map.
Move flatChecking…
0°
Add your driveway and other things
Let AI look at the photo
Label what you can see (helps the AI, free)
Tap the map where that thing is. A label pin drops there. Labels aren’t measured; they tell the AI what to look for.
What's already on the section
Your granny flat
Map key
SectionBuildings (2021 aerial)Available areaGranny flat (drag to move)Keep clearBuilding you addedBuilding that could be removed (tap a building to mark it)AI suggestion (not added yet)Example spot for another homePossible new lotCombined sections
The details
Why this result
Hazard maps, check by check
Space, the flat and greywater
Title and driveway
Another home on the same title
Sewer, stormwater and drains
Water tank
Who carries the risk
You do. Under the granny flat rules, compliance rests with the homeowner, not council.
With your PIM, council ticks whether the land is "likely", "unlikely" or "uncertain" to be hit by a natural hazard. Under section 392A of the Building Act, you can't sue council over that tick if it was given in good faith.
No one checks your completion papers. Under section 42C(2), council has no duty to check them. They just go on the property file.
Tell your insurer in writing before you build. Natural Hazards Commission cover only comes with a private home policy that covers the flat.
The other basic rules
New, single storey, stand-alone, 70 m² or less.
At least 2 m from the boundary and from other homes.
No more than half the section covered by buildings (residential zones).
No car parks needed. The national granny flat rules stop council asking for parking. Still check you're not building over your only driveway, and that builders can get materials in.
There must already be a main house on the section. One granny flat per section.
Designed and built by licensed people (LBPs, plumber, drainlayer, electrician).
PIM from council first. They have 10 working days. No work before it arrives.
Finish within 2 years of the PIM. Send all records to council within 20 working days of finishing, or face a $500 fine.
Kāpiti also needs a second water source for every new home: a 10,000 L rainwater tank, or a 4,000 L tank plus greywater.
Porirua needs a stormwater detention tank (hydraulic neutrality device) on new buildings over 40 m², and a water meter.
What to do next
Order a LIM for the property. It lists flooding, ponding, coastal and fault information.
Book a free chat with a council duty planner: 0800 486 486.
Book a chat with a Porirua City Council duty planner.
Book a chat with your council’s duty planner, and ask about hazards and water rules.
If anything is flagged, ask your designer whether the consent route is safer.
Apply for the PIM online through My Kāpiti, form 2AA.