Building

Building forms and further information on Building Services are available at the bottom of the page

Obtaining a Building Consent

Avoid the stress involved in building a home or altering your existing home by working with your Council. A Building Consent (previously known as a building permit) is generally needed to do any structural alterations or new work. This includes plumbing and drainage.

Consult with Council staff early about your project to avoid delays and unnessary costs later on. Council staff have the experience, willingness and ability to help you get a Building Consent for your project and to ensure that the building will comply with the standards set by the National Building Code.

It is advisable to get a professional to help with your plans if you are not skilled in this area (refer to the restricted building work and licensed building practitioners information page) . Should your plans comply with the Building Code you will be issued with a Building Consent without delay.

Council staff will inspect the job as it progresses and if the plans are adhered to, a Code of Compliance Certificate will be issued on completion of the work. This certifies that all the requirements have been complied with and that you can start using the building. Select your builder and advisor carefully. As Council staff cannot make recommendations, we suggest you check with organisations like the Master Builders Association and the relevant Institutues and Guilds which set standards for their members.

Council Administration

The role of the administering the Building Act has been delegated to local authorities. In order to provide our customers with an effective service, and to meet our statutory obligations, Council has a multi-skilled professional team. This team covers all facets of the Building Code from building, plumbing and drainage, engineering, health and district planning. Their responsibility is to ensure all projects comply with the Building Code and other relevant statutes (ie: District Plans, Resource Management Act, Health Act) and are processed within set time limits.

Multi-skilled Officers

Council's Officers are cross trained in order to provide a comprehensive, efficient service to you, the customer, enabling Building and Plumbing and Drainage Officers to do both plumbing and building inspections.

Guide to the Building Act

Council has a guide to the Building Act and the necessary processes. We recommend that you read it before beginning your project. If you have any queries on building or associated work Council staff are always happy to assist you where we can.

Other Relevant Legislation

The Building Act applies only to the physical aspects of the building work. Building proposals may also be affected by other legisilation such as:

Resource Management Act 1991 - planning and resource management
Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 - employee issues

Department of Building & Housing

This is the Crown agency that manages the building control system throughout New Zealand. Its website details important compliance information and provides helpful services, education and information for anyone involved in building activities.

www.dbh.govt.nz (Department of Building and Housing)

Building Fees and Charges

Fees and Charges Schedule for 2011

Work Not Requiring a Building Consent

In December 2010 there were some changes made around the work allowed to be done without a building consent. By law, most work needs to be completed by a registered professional and all work needs to meet the standards of the: