Exempt building work
Some building work is exempt from needing a building consent. Projects that don't usually require building consent include:
- general repair and maintenance
- low risk projects that don't compromise a building's structure or fire safety.
Government guidance: Building work that doesn't need a building consent
We don't assess or inspect exempt building work
It's your responsibility to ensure that work is exempt by seeking advice from a suitably competent person.
Please review the government guidance and talk to our team before you start work
We recommend you contact our building team to confirm your proposed work is exempt.
Checks should be carried out before starting any exempt work, including locating existing services, easements, power and gas lines etc.
If your project doesn't meet the exemption criteria but is close, you might be able to get a discretionary exemption.
Please note: District planning rules still apply, such as separation distance from boundaries, height, site coverage and onsite amenity. We strongly advise you submit a site plan and elevations to the Council, so we can confirm your project complies with planning rules.
Keeping a record of exempt building work
For us to log exempt building work on a public property file as a public record, you need to complete a record of exempt building work.
Record of exempt building work form(PDF, 188KB)
Commercial building owners and people undertaking more complex projects will likely need to apply for a building work exemption [please log in and follow the instructions].
Alternatively, complete and return the form below, along with the accompanying documents. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Building work exemption application form(PDF, 26KB)