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Relocating Buildings

Building Overview | Building Consents | When is a Building Consent Required? | Building Inspections/Codes of Compliance | What is a Development Contribution? | Land Use Resource Consents | Related Approvals | Building Near Public Pipes and Drains | Fencing Swimming Pools | Residential Wood Fires | How Building Charges are Determined?

You will need a resource consent to relocate a habitable building (one that is used for accommodation) if the building is 10 or more years old.

You will not need a resource consent if the building is:

• Not used for accommodation.
• Less than 10 years old.
• A temporary building associated with construction work.

Note: In addition to any resource consent, you will need a building consent to remove a building from its existing site, if it is within our district, and a second building consent to relocate it onto a new site.

Getting a resource consent

Before you do anything, talk with our staff about your plans and the information you will need to supply with your application. 

The minimum information needed for a resource consent application is:

• A completed application form.
• A dimensioned plan of the new site, showing the building’s location and distances to boundaries.
• Elevation plans showing the height of the building relative to the original ground level.
• Floor layout plans and pile plans.
• A statement that gives details of the proposal, with emphasis on the proposed exterior work (e.g. painting, additions and alterations) intended to bring the building up to an acceptable standard.
• The current location of the building (to enable an inspection for bond purposes).Return to top

We will tell you if more information is required before your application can be processed under the Resource Management Act. We will also tell you whether or not your application will have to be publicly notified.

We will require a cash bond to ensure any work that is required to bring the building up to an acceptable standard is done. Our staff will inspect the building and provide you with a list of any work that is required.  These improvements must be completed within six months of the building’s relocation.  If the cash bond is large and funds are needed, talk to our staff about receiving a partial refund as the reinstatement work progresses.

Getting a building consent

If you require two building consents (for removing a building from one site and relocating it to another), you will need to fill out a separate application form for each consent. Do not assume that your removal company or the previous owner has arranged a building consent for your building’s removal.

Buildings in poor condition might not get approval for relocation in the district. We will inspect the building as part of the building consent application to confirm its condition before it is removed.

A building consent is required for placing a building onto a new site so that standards are maintained for structure and drainage. Refer to the checklist that forms part of the building consent application form for a comprehensive list of the information you will need to supply so that your application can be considered.

Time frame

If a resource consent application does not require public notification, it will take up to 20 working days to process.  Building consents can also take up to 20 working days, assuming all information has been provided and is correct, and all fees have been paid.Return to top

The costs

The fees for obtaining resource consents and building consents vary depending on the project and site. Please refer to the current building fees and charges. A development contribution may also apply.

• Current building fees and charges
• Development contributions

Additional costs may include:

• Actual staff costs to process applications.
• Central Government levies for building projects valued at $20,000 or more, and our accreditation levy.
• Application fees for sewer and water connections, and vehicle crossings.
• Any repairs to the kerb, footpath or grass berm following damage caused by the relocation of your building (contact us to arrange for the road frontage to be inspected before and after your building has been moved from or onto a property).

To find out more about costs, read the full Schedule of Fees and Charges in the 07/08 Budget.

Please note

Before you commit to buying any house, or land to relocate a building onto, discuss your proposal fully with our staff so that we can help you avoid any unforeseen problems.

A relocated building must be fixed to its foundation. Be sure to check with your removal contractor about who is responsible for this work.Return to top