

For others, it’s a journey-with a lot of searching for the right piece of land for sale. For some it’s easy, since there is land in the family and perhaps even a shack looking for an upgrade (if that’s your situation, consider our best-selling bach kit DIY solar panel system ). Some recommend applying for consent or certificate of compliance retroactively, though this is not always successful, and non-consented works, if discovered, may be given a notice to fix or remove.ĭeciding where you are going off the grid can be more of a toss-up. Typically all work you want covered by insurance requires consents, depending on your insurance company. Going off the grid in a tiny home on wheels does not require consent, like a caravan, but these are in somewhat of a grey area and when they're permanently placed some councils require building consents, so we recommend you do your research. If you're unsure, check with your local council. Freshwater collection and wastewater management such as septic tanks often require consents, depending on circumstances and regional councils. These buildings are still required to meet the building code.


A sleepout under 30sqm is exempt, provided it has no plumbing or cooking facilities (including compost toilets and portable cookers) and there is already a consented building on the property. Still, any off-grid living structures build typically needs to be consented by the local council, though exceptions exist. In New Zealand, where GridFree is based, you’re not required to be connected to utilities, whether you're living in a campervan or on a patch of land. Going off the grid ? If you’re wondering if off grid living is legal, the answer is simple - yes.
