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Connecting a granny flat to council and other services

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You need to apply to connect a new detached minor residential unit/granny flat/small standalone building/ to Council and other services.

Wastewater

Any new connection or connection to an existing dwelling needs to have a new wastewater application approved by the Waters and Wastes Manager before any connection is made to the existing lateral pipe on the property.

Complete the application form (pdf 534 KB).

We need to know how many and the location of all new/ additional connections to the wastewater network because:

  • The capacity of the wastewater network to accommodate additional flow has becoming an issue in some township catchments.
  • We can only provide a connection to a dwelling if it located within a Residential or Rural Residential Serviced zone. Connections to other zoned areas eg rural, will not be approved without the need of additional consideration and approvals.
  • We need to have documentation for rating purposes.
  • We need to have this information relating to capacity usage and availability of the Councils wastewater network.

The wastewater from the Detached Minor Residential Unit (granny flat) must discharge the existing dwelling. No new wastewater connection will be permitted to Councils' reticulation.

Stormwater

Any new connection or connection to an existing dwelling needs to have a new stormwater application approved by the Waters and Wastes Manager before any connection is made to the existing lateral pipe on the property.

Complete the application form (pdf 534 KB).

We need to know how many and the location of all new/ additional connections to the stormwater network because:

  • The capacity of the stormwater network to accommodate additional flow has becoming an issue in some township catchments.
  • We can only provide a connection to a dwelling if it located within a Urban Drainage area ( UDA). Connections to other outside of the UDA including zoned areas eg rural, will not be approved without the need of additional consideration and approvals.
  • We need to have this information relating to capacity usage and availability of the Councils stormwater network,
    The location of any potential additional dwelling needs to consider the effect of the stormwater secondary flow paths and the potential effect on the neighbouring land.
  • The Stormwater from the Detached Minor Residential Unit must discharge the existing dwelling. No new stormwater connection will be permitted to Councils reticulation.
  • Easements for secondary flow paths may be required.

Water supply

You won't need to apply for a new water supply connection if you are connecting to the existing private supply for the house already on the property. Please note: This connection must be done by a registered plumber. 

However, if you are intending to significantly change the use of the water or volume taken, you will need to seek  approval from Council as there could be supply implications or public health (backflow prevention) requirements, which is covered by our Public Water Supply Bylaw 2016 (Edition 3). Read more about that here(external link).

Applications for a new, separate connection for a second dwelling will be considered and if deemed necessary,  additional connection fees, an annual service charge and the volumetric rate for water used will apply.

Driveways

If you want to build a new driveway as part of your construction project, you need to apply for a permit to do so and the driveway will need to meet certain requirements. Get more information and apply here(external link).

Electricity

The following advice is provided by Network Tasman. Any questions about electricity should be directed to them in the first instance. Home - Network Tasman(external link)

Power connections for second dwellings

If you are building a new dwelling or adding a second home, you may need a new or modified electricity connection with Network Tasman. This applies whether you are putting in a new supply, upgrading capacity, relocating a connection, or changing your existing supply arrangement. To start the process you must complete a Network Connection Application (NCA) through Network Tasman and provide details of your proposed connection and electrical load.

For full details and to access the connection application, visit the Network Tasman page on new connections(external link).

Early engagement with Network Tasman helps confirm electrical supply requirements and avoid delays to your build.

Electrical Code of Practice – overhead lines

If there are overhead power lines or electrical equipment near your site, you are responsible for making sure your building work complies with the New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice for Electrical Safe Distances (NZECP 34).

This means maintaining safe clearances from:

  • overhead power lines
  • power poles and structures
  • stay wires and fittings

These safety distances apply during both construction and after the building is completed.

If your work may come near overhead electrical lines or equipment, you must contact Network Tasman before starting. Network Tasman can confirm safe distances and whether any protection, relocation, or approvals are required.

Building work must not proceed until electrical safety requirements have been addressed.

Underground electrical services

If there may be underground power cables on or near your site, you must make sure they are located before any excavation begins.

Before digging, drilling, or trenching, you should carry out a “locate before you dig” check. This includes requesting service plans (for example through BeforeUdig(external link)) and, where needed, using a qualified cable locator to confirm the exact position of underground electricity services.

Excavation near underground power cables is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury, service outages, and costly repairs.

If work is proposed near underground electrical infrastructure, you must contact Network Tasman for guidance on safe working requirements and whether additional approvals or protection measures are needed.

Do not start excavation until underground electrical services have been identified and safety requirements have been met.

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