Building Consents

Council has been accredited by International Accreditation New Zealand and registered by the Department of Building and Housing as a Building Consent Authority as required by the Building Act 2004.

Most building work requires a Building Consent before you are allowed to start any excavation or construction. A Building Consent ensures your plans and specifications comply with the New Zealand Building Code. All building work must comply with this Code and the relevant New Zealand Standards..

Either before or at the time you apply for a Building Consent, you will also need to obtain a Project Information Memorandum (PIM). The PIM will include all information known to Council which may be relevant to the project or site and could identify design elements required specifically for the proposed building works and whether or not you need a Resource Consent. There may be conditions imposed on your PIM requiring things like geotechnical ground testing to prove your site is capable of supporting the structure proposed.

Types of activities requiring a Building Consent include:

Swimming pools, spa pools and pool fencing - download pool fencing brochure for further information
Retaining walls over 1.5m (no surcharge)
Retaining walls any height incurring surcharge
Decks over 1.0m high
Fences over two metres in height
Pergolas attached to buildings
Free-standing non-habitable buildings larger than 10m² or less than the height of the building from the boundary or a dwelling
Plumbing and drainage work including replacing hot water cylinders
Demolition of buildings
Relocation of buildings
Additions, alterations to existing buildings
New buildings
Change of use of a building
Heating including fireplaces, ventilation and air-conditioning systems
Plumbing and drainage

If you are unsure, check your proposal over with Council's Building Control Officer who can advise you on what you need to do.

Provided that all the required information is supplied with the application, or the application does not require resource consent, Council's aim is to complete processing of building consent applications within 20 working days.

Council can stop the time clock on processing an application if further information is requested.

For further information, contact the Council's Building Control Officer, Ph: (07) 306 9009.

Building Consent Information
Building Consent and/or PIM Application Form
Fees & Charges Schedule
Plumbing and Drainage Application Form
Pool Fencing Guidlines
Solid-Fuel Heating Application Form

The Department of Building and Housing has a useful Guide for applying for a Building Consent. You will find other helpful information relating to the building process by accessing the links below.

The Building Act
Guide to Exemptions from Building Consent Requirements
A Beginners Guide to Resource and Building Consent Processes
Compliance Schedule Handbook
Guide to Amending Building Work from the Approved Consent

Policy on Earthquake-Prone Buildings

LIM Reports

A Land Information Memorandum (LIM) is a report that is prepared by Council in relation to matters affecting land and buildings on a particular property.

Included in a LIM will be the following information:

Any special feature of the land including potential erosion, falling debris, sinking, slipping, silting or build-up of land, flooding or likely hazardous pollutants known to the Council.
Private and public drains and easements known to Council.
Government valuation of the property and rates struck and owing for the current year. (Note: This will also include water rates where applicable).
Council consents, certificates, notices, orders and requisitions affecting the land and any buildings on that land.
Zoning of the property and how the land can be used.
Certificates issued by a building certifier.
Any information that has been submitted to Council by other outside statutory organisations or network utility operators relating to the site or general locality.

All requests for a LIM must be in writing. Lim Report Application Form . The LIM fee is $150.00 (including GST). Council has 10 working days from the date of receipt to action and complete a LIM. For further information, contact the Council's Building Control Officer, Ph: (07) 306 9009.