Building Consents

Most building work (as defined in the Building Act 2004) requires a Building Consent before you are allowed to start 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 identifies design elements required specifically for the proposed building works and whether or not you need a Resource Consent for the proposed work.

Types of activities requiring a Building Consent include:

New houses, garages and carports
Alterations and additions to houses
Relocating a house
Fencing of swimming pools
Decks (over one metre high or under one metre high with a roof)
Plumbing and drainage
Fences over two metres in height
Installation or alteration of a solid-fuel heater

If you are unsure, check your proposal over with Council's Building Control Officer and General Inspector 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
Plumbing and Drainage Application Form
Solid-Fuel Heating Application Form

Fees & Charges Schedule 15 Aug 07

The Department of Building and Houses has a useful Guide for applying for a Building Consent:

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.