Some shade sails, fabric canopies and retractable awnings are exempt from building consent. However, all work for these building projects must comply with the Building Code.

To see if your shade sail, canopy or awning is exempt look at MBIE's Building Performance Group information on building work that does not require a building consent(external link).

To be exempt, they must be:

  • 50 square metres or less
  • No closer than 1 metre to any legal boundary
  • On the ground level if attached to a building, on the ground or first storey level of the building.

If your structure is not already exempt you will need to apply for and obtain either of the below before doing any construction: