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Building Consents

What is a building consent?

A building consent confirms that the proposed building work, based on the plans and documentation provided, complies with the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC). It is needed to ensure that buildings are safe and sanitary, and that occupiers have a means of escape from fire.

No building work that requires a building consent can start until the building consent has been issued and other requirements (such as resource management certificates) have been met. A building consent cannot be issued retrospectively.

A building consent does not permit the construction, alteration, demolition or removal of buildings if that building work would be in breach of any other Acts, regulations or bylaws.

Do I need a building consent?

For most building, plumbing and drainage work a building consent is required. Works exempt from a building consent tend to be of a small scale, being within certain dimensions and volume limitations. A summary of schedule one of the Building Act 2004 ('When is a building consent required?' above) outlines what building work can proceed without a building consent. However, before starting any building work it is important to check the full schedule to see whether a consent is required or not.

Certificate of acceptance (52KB PDF)
Certificate of acceptance checklist (46KB PDF)
Building consents and associated processes fees (50KB PDF)
Registration of unpermitted or unrecorded works (408KB PDF)

What is a project information memorandum (PIM)?

A PIM is a council report that is required by the Building Act as part of the building consent process. PIMs provide information about land and the requirements of other Acts that might be relevant to proposed building work.

A PIM provides:

Heritage status and special features such as natural hazards.
Details of water, stormwater or wastewater utility systems which relate to your proposed building work or to your building site.
Network utility information such as vehicle access.
Applications/approvals that you may need before you can start the construction process, occupy the building or start commercial operations.
A certificate detailing Resource Management Act requirements.

The PIM either confirms that you may carry out the building work (subject to the requirements of the building consent and subject to all other necessary authorisations being obtained) or gives you notification that building work may not be undertaken.

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When to apply for a project information memorandum (PIM)

For larger projects – such as new houses, large alterations and new commercial or industrial buildings – you will find a PIM very useful in establishing the feasibility and design of the project. Therefore, it's a good idea to obtain a PIM in the planning stages of larger projects. For smaller works you can apply for the PIM with your building consent application – and this can save time.

How to apply for a PIM and building consent

Use the forms and checklists here (hard copies are available from our service centres). The forms are to be completed by the property owner or their authorised agent, i.e. architect, engineer, draughtsman or builder. Submit the completed application forms, accompanied by three sets of plans and specifications, a completed application checklist and the required fees, to any of our service centres. Applications are accepted by post, however for more complex jobs we recommend you make an appointment through our call centre to lodge your plans in person. This will ensure all of the essential information is provided and your application forms are complete.

Amendment to compliance schedule (40KB PDF)
Application for waiver or modification (388KB PDF)
Building consent amendments (408KB PDF)
PIM/building consent application (57KB PDF)
PIM/building consent for tents and marquees (474KB PDF)
PIM/building consent for residential wood fire installation (420KB PDF)
Fences PIM/building consent acceptance checklist (49KB PDF)
Request for compliance schedule (44KB PDF)
Minor projects PIM building consent acceptance checklist (52KB PDF)
New dwelling PIM building consent acceptance checklist (54KB PDF)
Plumbing and drainage PIM building consent acceptance checklist (45KB PDF)
Removal demolition PIM building consent acceptance checklist (42KB PDF)
Repile PIM building consent acceptance checklist (42KB PDF)

What could delay the processing of my application?

An incomplete application
An incomplete application is likely to be subject to delays. Under the Building Act, we have 20 working days to process your building consent application. However, if more information is required you will be notified and the process will be suspended until the required information is received. We will contact the person listed under the mailing address for all correspondence by phone, fax and/or letter with a list of all the required information. That person then has 20 working days to supply the information. The suspension will be lifted upon receipt of the required information.

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A resource consent is required
Our planners will check your application to ensure that your proposal complies with the New Plymouth District Plan. If it does not, you will be required to obtain a resource consent before building can begin – even if your project complies with the Building Code. It's a good idea to talk to one of our planners before lodging your building consent application if you suspect your application does not comply with the District Plan.

Can I change the plans once my building consent has been lodged?

You are able to change your plans at any stage of the process, however any changes have to be vetted to check compliance and this may slow your application down. New projects may not be added to your consent once submitted - only changes to the original plans. Another building consent is required for additional projects. Amendments will add to overall processing costs.

The approval process

Whether or not we approve your building consent application is dependent upon how well the application conforms to the functional and performance requirements of the regulations, and with the purposes and principles of the Building Act.

If you disagree with us (or your building certifier) over some aspect of your building proposal, you can ask for a determination from the Department of Building and Housing (DBH) who can make rulings on technical matters. There is a charge for the service.

Department of Building and Housing
PO Box 10 729
Wellington
Phone: 04-494 0260, 0800-242 243
Fax: 04-494 0290
Email: info@dbh.govt.nz
Website: www.dbh.govt.nz