Project Information Memorandum NZ: When Homeowners Need a PIM

What is a Project Information Memorandum?

A PIM is an official document issued by the city or district council responsible for the land where you propose building work.

It brings together information relevant to your proposed project, which may include:

• Land conditions: Known natural hazards, ground conditions or other special features relevant to the work.
• Existing services: Relevant stormwater or wastewater infrastructure, including services on or near the site.
• Heritage: Recorded heritage status or requirements affecting a building.
• Other approvals: Information about planning rules, relevant authorisations and requirements under other legislation.
• Development contributions: A separate notice may be issued where a contribution is payable.

The information depends on your proposed work and what the council holds or is required to provide.

For example, if you're planning an extension near an existing public drain, a PIM may identify infrastructure information or requirements that your designer needs to consider.

A PIM provides project-related information. It does not assess the entire property's physical condition or approve the proposed design.

The requirements for issuing PIMs are set out in sections 31–39 of the Building Act 2004.

When is a PIM optional or legally required?

The answer depends on which building pathway your project uses.

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A PIM is not automatically required for every renovation, extension or building-consent exemption.

For work needing building consent, you can usually proceed through the normal building consent application process without separately requesting a PIM first.

However, requesting one early may help identify site constraints or other approvals before detailed design decisions are made. MBIE explains this optional pathway.

For a project-specific check on whether proposed work needs consent, read Building Consent for Renovations NZ.

Granny flats: when a PIM is mandatory under the 2026 exemption

From 15 January 2026, New Zealand introduced a building consent exemption for certain small standalone dwellings, commonly called granny flats.

The exemption applies only where all relevant conditions are met. The dwelling must be new, standalone, single-storey and no larger than 70 square metres. Specific design, construction, Building Code and licensed-professional requirements also apply.

If you're using this exemption, you must apply for and receive a PIM for the dwelling's final site before building work starts.

The main PIM steps are:

1. Check the proposed dwelling and site against the exemption requirements with appropriately qualified building professionals.
2. Apply to the local council using the prescribed Form 2AA, with preliminary design plans and a description of the proposed work.
3. Receive the PIM and accompanying council information before building work begins.
4. Check the information and address any other applicable approvals or requirements.

For an application under the granny flat exemption, the statutory PIM issue period is generally 10 working days. A lawful request for further information can suspend that period.

The council's accompanying information may indicate whether the proposal appears likely or unlikely to meet certain exemption characteristics, or whether the position is unclear.

That statement is not an approval or confirmation of Building Code compliance.

A granny flat PIM ordinarily lapses if the relevant work is not completed within two years of issue, unless the council allows a longer period.

After completion, the homeowner must provide the required completion documents to the council. The exemption does not involve normal council building inspections or a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC).

Development contributions may also apply. MBIE's homeowner resources explain the exemption's PIM and completion responsibilities.

What changed on 8 October 2026?

MBIE published Version 2 of its granny flat exemption guidance on 8 October 2026.

The update reflects changes to Schedule 1A allowing certain certified composite structural building products and clarifying requirements involving utility connections and on-site water, wastewater and stormwater systems. The Building (Exempt Small Stand-alone Dwellings) Order 2026 commenced on 8 October.

The October update did not remove the mandatory PIM requirement.

The granny flat building consent exemption and resource-consent rules remain separate. Some detached minor residential units can qualify for a resource-consent exemption under national environmental standards, but only when the relevant conditions are met.

For the full eligibility and construction requirements, use MBIE's current granny flat exemption guidance.

PIM vs LIM, building consent and resource consent

These documents serve different purposes.

On a narrow screen, scroll the comparison table sideways to read both columns.

A LIM may be helpful when reviewing an existing property, but it does not replace a project-specific PIM. For the historical-records question, see Council Property File NZ.

A PIM can identify other approvals that may be needed, but receiving a PIM does not mean those approvals have been granted.

For example, if your proposed extension requires both building consent and resource consent, obtaining a PIM does not remove either requirement.

When is requesting a PIM useful?

Even where it is optional, a PIM may be worthwhile early in planning work such as:

• a new house;
• a significant extension or an additional storey;
• an extension that changes the building footprint;
• work near public drains or other infrastructure;
• work on land with known natural-hazard concerns;
• alterations to a heritage building.

The advantage is timing.

Finding a relevant restriction or infrastructure issue while discussing preliminary designs may be easier than discovering it after detailed plans have been prepared.

However, not every project needs a separate PIM. For a straightforward renovation where relevant site information is already understood, discuss with your designer and council whether requesting one will add useful information.

A PIM does not replace surveying, engineering investigations or other professional assessments where they are necessary.

How do you apply for a PIM in New Zealand?

Apply through the official website or offices of the city or district council where the proposed work will take place.

Search the council website for Project Information Memorandum or PIM application.

The usual process is:

1. Choose the correct application: Form 2 for a standard PIM associated with building-consent work, or Form 2AA for a qualifying granny flat under Schedule 1A.
2. Describe the proposal: Include the location, intended use, dimensions and relevant site or services information.
3. Provide preliminary plans: A site plan and relevant preliminary drawings help the council understand the proposed work. Granny flat applications have specific information requirements.
4. Submit the application: Follow the council's instructions and pay its applicable fee.
5. Read the issued PIM: Check any warnings, attached notices, other approval requirements and matters needing further advice.

Under the current Building Act, the statutory issue period is generally 20 working days for an ordinary PIM and 10 working days for a qualifying granny flat PIM.

These are statutory processing periods, not guaranteed elapsed times. Requests for further information can suspend the process.

Council application arrangements and fees vary. Check the relevant council's current instructions rather than relying on another council's process. MBIE's scope and design guidance explains the preliminary information and timing.

What does a PIM not authorise or guarantee?

A PIM does not:

• give permission to start building work where building consent or another authorisation is required;
• replace building consent or resource consent;
• certify compliance with the Building Code;
• prove that a granny flat meets every exemption condition;
• guarantee that land is free from hazards or that services are suitable;
• establish that all other property restrictions have been addressed;
• guarantee that a proposed design will be approved.

A PIM may also identify matters that need further investigation or a separate formal decision.

For work requiring building consent, do not start work merely because a PIM has been issued. Follow the applicable consent requirements. For preparing the actual application, see Building Consent Application NZ.

For granny flats using Schedule 1A, receiving the mandatory PIM is one necessary step, not the complete exemption test.

What should you do next?

If your project needs building consent: Consider requesting a PIM during early planning, especially where site conditions or other approvals could affect the design.

If you're using the 2026 granny flat exemption: Obtain the required PIM before building work begins, and confirm that every other exemption condition and planning requirement is satisfied.

If your work is exempt under another provision: Do not assume that the granny flat PIM rules apply to your project.

The key is to use the PIM for its intended purpose: understanding relevant council information before making important building decisions.

This guide provides general New Zealand homeowner information. It does not determine the consent or exemption status of a particular project. Confirm project-specific requirements with the relevant council and appropriately qualified professionals.