Building Consents
If you’re planning any construction demolition or alteration work, you will need to obtain a Building Consent before the work begins
A Building Consent is a document issued by the council which verifies that the proposed work complies with the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code 1992 and the Building Act 2004.
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A building consent is not an automatic right to start building, there are other issues such as town planning requirements that may impact on your ability to commence work. For instance, you may also need to apply for a resource consent.
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Do I need a Building Consent?
The general rule of thumb is "yes you do".
A Guide to Building and Building Consents - PDF (408Kb)
There are some exemptions from the requirements to have a building consent. For further information, please contact the PNCC Customer Services Centre.
Schedule 1 of the Building Act lists work that does not need a building consent.
Exempt Building Work – PDF (283Kb)
Related Websites
Building Act - (External website)
How do I apply for a Building Consent?
Property Information Memorandum (PIM)
A PIM is the first step to obtaining a Building Consent and gaining approval to build.
It is a report issued by Council that provides relevant information to a specific proposed building project, such as:
- location of services
- likelihood of flooding
- subsidence
- soft ground etc.
Council will also inform the owner of any other requirements e.g Resource Consents, Development Contribution Levies payable, Vehicle Crossings or other issues that may affect the design and/or construction of the proposed structure.
An application for a PIM must be made on the PIM/BC application form which is available below or from the Customer Service Centre. This form must be fully completed before being submitted.
Two copies of all plans and documents are required (three copies for commercial work)
PIM/BC Application Form - PDF (1.06Mb)
What Happens to your Building Consent Application? - PDF (355Kb)
Building Consent
An application for a Building Consent must be made on the PIM/BC form, available below or from the Customer Service Centre.
This form must be fully completed before being submitted.
Two copies of all plans and documents are required (three copies for commercial work).
PIM/BC Application Form - PDF (1.06Mb)
How long does it take?
Council has a statutory requirement to process the Building Consent in 20 working days of the application being received. If more information is required then the "Clock Stops" until all information is received.
The person nominated as the Contact Person will be telephoned and advised when the Building Consent is ready.
The Building Consent will be forwarded in the requested manner after the balances of fees (if any) are paid.
Suspensions – what are they?
Processing of a Building Consent may be suspended where it is found that information is missing or is incorrect. The processing Officer will contact the nominated contact person and request any additional information that may be required.
When all the information has been provided to Council, the suspension status will be lifted and the statutory processing time clock restarts. This means that the time taken to provide the information is added to the processing time.
Amendments
All building work in conjunction with a building consent must be done in accordance with the plans, specifications and detail provided with the building consent. If you wish to change some aspect of the project you must apply for an amendment to the building consent and the amendment must be approved before the work is carried out.
The process for obtaining an amendment is similar to obtaining the original consent. Full construction detail of any changes must be submitted with an application for Amendment to a Building Consent which must then be processed and approved by Council.
Amendment Application Form - PDF (20Kb)
Code Compliance Certificate
A building owner must apply for a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) as soon as possible after all building work is completed and within two years after the date of granting of the building consent. The certificate is issued by Council to signify the end of a building process and states that the building work complies with the Building Consent.
You must apply for a Code Compliance Certificate by submitting the application form included in the Building Consent information pack given to the owner when consent is issued. Forms are also available below or at the PNCC Customer Service Centre.
Code Compliance Certificate Application Form - PDF (30Kb)
Unauthorised Building Work
Unauthorised Building Work is work done without the proper authorisation such as a ‘building permit’ or ‘building consent’.
Unauthorised Building Work falls into two categories which under current legislation must be dealt with in two different ways:
1. Building work done before July 1992
Unauthorised Building Work Information - PDF (204Kb)
2. Building work done after July 1992
Certificate of Acceptance - Application - PDF (230Kb)
Certificate of Acceptance Checklist - PDF (240Kb)
Swimming pools
All swimming pools, spa pools and hot tubs are required to be fenced in accordance with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987. All private swimming pools, spa pools and hot tubs must be registered on the Council pool register and inspected for compliance on a regular basis.
If you are purchasing a new pool you are required to apply for a Building Consent to install the pool or spa pool on your property along with any associated fences and gates etc. Any work in conjunction with swimming pool fencing requires building consent regardless of whether or not a pool already exists or is being installed.
Swimming Pool Regulations Information - (Internal web link)
Guide for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs - PDF (330Kb)
Consumer Build (External website)
Water Safety (External website)
Inbuilt & Free standing Fireplace Applications
If you are planning to install a fireplace in your home you will need to get Building Consent. A wood burner installed on a property smaller than two hectares in lot size must be on the Ministry for the Environment's list of approved wood burners.
Information and a list of tested and approved wood burners are available on the Ministry For the Environments website. Wood burners on this list are the only wood burners that will be approved for installation (on properties two hectares or less) in the PNCC area.
Installation of a Solid Fuel Heating Appliance Application Form - PDF (303Kb)
Ministry for the Environment Approved Wood Burners - (External Website)
Installation of Solar Water Heating
If you are planning to install solar water heating you will need to get Building Consent. The link below provides a list of information and detail that you will need to attach to your application.
Requirement for the Installation of Solar Water Heating - PDF (244Kb)
Tents & Marquees
In some circumstances Tents and Marquees require building consent.
Tents and Marquees - PDF (241Kb)
Vehicle Crossing
An application for a Vehicle Crossing needs to be completed if you are creating a new or altering/extending an existing thoroughfare where vehicles cross from your property onto a public road.
This form and information is available below or from the Customer Service Centre. The form must be fully completed before being submitted and must be accompanied by a site plan showing the size and location of the proposed crossing.
Vehicle Crossing Application Form - PDF (118Kb)
Service Connection Applications
This form and information is available below or from the Customer Service Centre. The form must be fully completed before being submitted and must be accompanied by a site plan showing the size and location of the proposed service connection.
Service Connection Application Form - PDF (20Kb)
Fees and Charges
Building Services - Fees and Charges - PDF (535Kb)
Checklists and guides
We recommend the following websites which will provide you with helpful and relevant information to assist you in your application.
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