Consents

Do I need a building consent?

If you are carrying out building work you may need to apply for a building consent. Here are some examples of work that requires a consent:

– any structural building including new buildings, additions, alterations, accessory buildings (sheds), and re-piling

– plumbing and drainage

– heating (fireplaces), ventilation and air conditioning systems

– siteworks for a building

– retaining walls higher than 1.5 metres, or retaining walls with a building or driveway near the top

– fences higher than 2.5 metres and any swimming pool fence

– swimming pools

– decks more than 1.5 metres from ground level.

All building work must comply with the Building Act 2004 and the Building Code. The Act and the Code are legally binding and if you breach them or don’t obtain a building consent you may face penalties.

Building work that does not require a building consent

Some examples of exempt building work are:

– replacing a hot water cylinder

– minor drainage work that does not affect the connection to the public system

– replacing windows so long as it doesn’t affect the structural stability of the building

– changes to entrance and doorways to improve accessibility so long as it doesn’t affect the structural stability of the building

– changes to timber framed internal walls so long as it doesn’t affect the structural stability of the building

– walls and fences under 2.5 metres high

– decks under 1.5 metres high.

We can assist you in obtaining a building consent

We work with all of the professionals who are needed to put together the documentation required for the application for the issuing of a building consent. Let us work with you in these sometimes very stressful early stages of project planning.