Building Consents - How to Apply

So you want to...

• Build a new dwelling
• Carry out extensions or alterations
• Build a deck or pergola Build a fence or retaining wall
• Build a garage or carport  Install a swimming pool or spa pool
• Install a solid fuel heater

Whatever the project you will probably require a Building Consent unless the project is listed as "Exempt Work."

A Building Consent covers all building, plumbing and drainage work.

Making An Application

Multi-stage projects will require both Consents for the first stage.  Subsequent stages may need only a Building Consent and may not require another Project Information Memorandum (PIM) unless significant changes to the original project are envisaged.

There are three ways to apply for a Building Consent (remember a PIM is needed before a Building Consent can be issued) you can:

Option 1

Apply for a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) in the planning stages, if you don't know if your project will meet Council requirements.

Refer to Project Information Memorandum (PIM).

Option 2

Apply for a Building Consent if the PIM has already been issued.

Three copies of plans and specification showing:

• site plan
  
• elevation plan
  
• floor plan
  
• cross sectional plan
  
• foundation plan
  
• drainage plan
  
• plumbing plan
  
• electrical wiring plan

Refer to Building Consents - Checklist

Option 3

Apply for both Consents if you are confident that your project meets Council requirements, you can apply for the PIM and the Building Consent at the same time.

All of the requirements for Options 1 and 2

The interview process and how to apply

You must now ring for an interview before you send in a building consent application. This is to help speed the process and ensure we are all on the same page. The number to call is 07 868 0404.

The building consent application now proceeds through the following steps:

Before you telephone Council for a pre-lodgement appointment please have available:

• The correct property address,
• The property owner’s name,
• The agent name, if applicable
• A description of the proposed work,
• The estimated value of the Project,
• A copy of the Site Plan,
• A Certificate of Title no greater than three months old.

All these must be provided to Council at the time of making the appointment.  This can be faxed, emailed or handed in to customer services. The fax number is 07 868 0234.

If you wish Council can obtain a Certificate of Title on your behalf at a cost of $20 to you.

All appointments require a minimum of 5 working days notice.

A 60 minute interview will be booked.  A building control officer will conduct the interview.  A planning officer will also be available if required.

Ensure you have completed and signed the “application form” and the “application checklist”, collated three sets of plans and project specific specifications.  Bring all of these documents to the building consent application interview along with any other relevant information

Ensure you have completed and signed the “application form” and the “application checklist”, collated three sets of plans and project specific specifications.  Bring all of these documents to the building consent application interview along with any other relevant information.

The application and documents will be checked for completeness.

If any further information is required the applicant will need to address these items before the application can be accepted.

If all the documentation has been supplied and the application appears to be complete your building consent will be lodged with Council.

At this point the Statutory 20 working day timeframe will start. 

The processing officer will ensure that the application clearly demonstrates compliance with the building code and that any conditions noted in the PIM or other approvals are complied with. Should more information be required the applicant/agent will be contacted and the 20 day clock is stopped. It is restarted upon receipt of the required information. The processing officer will, on completion, stamp and check all the plans and conditions and approve the Building Consent.

Once processing is completed the application is reviewed.  A decision is then made whether to grant or decline the application. The 20 day timeframe ends here.

The building consent is then invoiced as per the building consent fee schedule. The invoice is sent with a letter instructing that the building consent may be uplifted upon receipt of payment.

Allocated inspections are required to be undertaken during the building process.  Refer to Brochure No 6. These are listed on the Inspection schedule attached to your approved building consent documents.  Please telephone Council on 07 868 0200 to book these inspections.

A minimum of 24 hours notice is required to ensure that your inspection is undertaken when required. This may vary depending on where the project is on the Peninsula and the time of year.  It is recommended that inspections are planned and booked well in advance to ensure that we can meet the timeframe you require. Upon completion of the inspection process you are required to apply for a Code Compliance Certificate on the prescribed forms.  This is a 20 working day timeframe process. The ‘Application for Code Compliance’ form is sent out to you with your building consent.

If all inspections undertaken have passed and all requested documentation has been received, a Code Compliance Certificate will be issued which is the last process of this 20 day timeframe. This is the final process of the building project.  Your building project will now be complete.

The Cost of a Building Consent

Council determine fees and charges during its Annual Planning process each year.

Fees for building Consents may vary from year to year.  An up-to-date schedule of fees and charges is available from all our offices and is also included with the building consent application form.

How Long Will It Take

At present please allow up to 6-8 weeks for the processing of your application. However once the new interview process is up and running we expect to have your consent back to you within 4 weeks. Also note however, if there is insufficient information you will be advised and your building consent will not proceed until the information requested has been received.