Apply for a building consent

Building consent applications can be complex. We recommend that you engage a professional person to help with design work and drawings.

Each application must include (where applicable):

• Plans (which should include):
  • a location plan
  • a site plan
  • a floor plan of each floor (if there is more than one)
  • an elevation of each exterior wall
  • a foundation layout
  • a drainage plan 
  • sufficient cross-sections to show the full nature and extent of the work including details of junctions and flashings
  • Note: for commercial or buildings open to the public the specifications, performance standards or how the systems are to operate of the specified systems required will need to be supplied
• Specifications
• Geotechnical report for new buildings
• Engineering calculations
• Wall bracing calculations
• An E2 risk matrix (demonstrating weathertightness features)
• Producer statement/s (project specific producer statements may be accepted from Chartered Professional Engineers as a means of satisfying on reasonable grounds that certain provisions of the Building Code have been met)
• Fire safety design (required for all commercial work and/or public buildings)
• Licensed Building Practitioners' names and licence numbers
• Design certificate (2A) Restricted Building Work
• National Environmental Standard (NES) form, if covering any new ground.

Note:  a Record of Title not older than 6 months is required.  This is available from Land Information New Zealand or you can use the tick option on the online form for us to obtain the Record of Title on your behalf.  There will be an extra charge if we obtain the title for you.

Landonline (linz.govt.nz)

For further information, please check out the Ministry guidance as well:

Quality drawings (Building Performance)

When applying for your consent you will need to supply the supporting information and details on the items listed. This is not an exhaustive list but many applications do not cover these aspects and leading to extended processing times, extra fees charged and frustration.

Ownership

We need to have a current Certificate of Title, lease agreements and the like. We not only have to be sure of who the owner is but also of any caveats, encumbrances and restrictions on the title.

Using an Agent

We need to have written proof to show that the owner has/is using the agent stated in the application - an email can be used.

Specified Intended Life

If the building is only temporary or has a specified intended life of less than 50 years, the details need to be clear as to why this is. Find more guidance here:

Specified Intended Life  

Restricted Building Work

Most new building work will be classed as Restricted Building Work and require an Licensed Building Practitioner to either design or undertake this. 

Restricted Building Work - Guidance Notes

Restricted Building Work  (building.govt.nz)

Change of use

If the building work results in a change of use for the structure, the new use can only be started once you are issued with a Code Compliance Certificate.

Change of Use

Using alternative solutions

If your project is using alternative solutions, then you must provide supporting evidence like reports or in-service history documentation on the product to prove it is compliant with the New Zealand Building Code. The following authorities give guidance and information.

Ministry Guidance on Building Product Certification  (building.govt.nz)

Land subject to a natural hazard

If you are building in an area or on land subject to a natural hazard, like flooding or slippage, then reports on how you are planning to mitigate these hazards are required.

Natural hazards

Using or relocating a building

If you are using or relocating a building as part of your consent, like an old villa or maybe a new bungalow built in a factory, you need to be aware of the rules so please refer to our guidance material.

Relocated buildings and cabins

Public or industrial building to remain open

If your works are focused on a public or industrial building and you want it to remain open during the building work, or open while the building work is being completed, it will require a Certificate for Public Use.

Certificate for Public Use application(PDF, 234KB)

Note: You cannot open or use the building before issue of a Code Compliance Certificate unless you have a Certificate of Public Use, even if you believe the building work is complete. 

Certificate of Public Use

Producer Statements 

Producer Statements may be used as part of the design work and may also be required and stated as a condition on your Building Consent. 

Building forms and documents

Building Guidance Notes

Producer Statements (building.govt.nz)

You can apply for a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) which will give you important information about the site that is relevant to your project. 

Applying for a PIM is optional, and not a prerequisite for applying for a building consent.

Apply for a PIM

If you do not apply for a PIM you will need to satisfy yourself that the project meets all of the requirements of the District Plan as well as any legislative requirements such as the National Environmental Standard for Potential Contaminants in Soils. 

You can apply for a specific search by submitting a Site Search for Potential Contaminates application form, which can be found on the National Environmental Standards page.

District Plan

National Environmental Standards 

If your application has a MultiProof certificate issued by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, it will be assessed for compliance with the New Zealand Building Code by us only for those items not covered by the MultiProof Certificate.

Typically, these will be site-specific items such as foundations, plumbing and drainage. 

For items covered by the MultiProof Certificate, we will confirm that the project is in accordance with the certificate. You will need to supply the certificate and supporting information for the design. These types of consents are given a statutory timeframe of 10 days for the BCA to process.

Find out more about MultiProof Certificates on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website.

MultiProof Certificates (building.govt.nz)

Remember at this stage this is only a deposit fee and further charges may be applied through processing.

Building control fees

Based on the project value, the levies for the Ministry and (Building Research Association of New Zealand) BRANZ are also charged.

You can use our online form to make a payment enquiry.

Enquire online

Use our Building Consent calculator to get an estimate on costs. The amount payable will include the cost of Council's services as well as levies payable to the central government.

Building Consent Calculator

If you have cancelled your building consent you can request a refund. 

All requests for refunds must be made in writing, include the building consent number and a copy of your bank account details (bank statement).  

Call into one of our service centres with your bank account details and building consent number, or apply via the Objective Build portal.

Not all building work requires a consent. 

Other legislation to consider

While the Building Act provides for exemptions, there might be other laws that you need to comply with. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The Building Regulations 1992
• The Resource Management Act 1991
• The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006
• The Electricity Act 1992
• The Health Act 1956
• Any local government bylaws.

Under the Building Act, it’s an offence to intentionally carry out work that requires a building consent without one, and it’s regarded as illegal work. It is often costly to set right and may put people’s safety or property at risk.

Illegal building works may also impact on your insurance cover or house sale negotiations.

Find out if your building work is exempt:

Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (building.govt.nz)

You can apply for an exemption here:

Apply for a building consent exemption

Your building consent will be issued conditions. 

Conditions are similar to rules that are placed on the consent. 

Detail of conditions on building consents is available in the guidance notes:

Conditions on Building Consents

If you wish to make a complaint, please follow the link below. 

Compliments, complaints and feedback