Other Building Projects & Issues

Consent requirements and information on common building projects and issues.

For DBH information about MultiProofs and the National Multiple-Use Approvals please click here.

	Alterations & Change of Use The Building Act 2004 requires that if a building owner intends to change the use of a building or extend the life of the building beyond its specified life, the Council must be notified in writing before any work commences.
	Amusement Devices Fairground rides and other amusement devices - registration and permits
	Commercial Information on Building Consent requirements for commercial and industrial buildings. See also Certificate for Public Use page.
	Compliance Schedules & Building Warrant of Fitness Commercial buildings must have an annual building warrant of fitness (BWOF), and a compliance schedule listing identified safety systems that ensure a building is safe and healthy. See also IQP Register page.
	Contaminated Land Information for buying or building on contaminated land.
	Decks, Balconies & Verandahs Any deck, balcony or verandah that is greater than 1.5 metres in height, or where the fall is greater than 1.5 metres will require a Building Consent.
	Demolition, Removal or Re-siting If you intend to demolish or remove a building or structure from your site, or re-site a building you will require a Building Consent.
	Dwellings New residential dwellings require a Building Consent.
	Fences & Retaining Walls Depending on the size of your project, fences and retaining walls may require one or a combination of Consents.
	Garages, Garden Sheds & Carports Buildings that are all classed as 'minor works', separate from the single dwelling and are used for a different purpose.
	Hazardous Substances Hazardous Substances (or Dangerous Goods) whether used in private homes or commercial activities, must be stored, used and disposed of correctly.
	Heaters and Fireplaces Check out the Building Consent requirements for fireplaces and free-standing heaters.
	Land Information Memorandum (LIM) What is a LIM report, what information is NOT included, and how do I get one?
	Making Changes to the Approved Plans... Amendments must be made in writing before submitting altered plans to Council and changes are made to the building. Amendments could be either minor, or major....
	Pool Fencing All swimming pools and spa pools must be fenced, and comply with fencing provisions.
	Smoke Alarms All new dwellings and consented alterations are now required to have smoke alarms installed.
	Solar Installations Solar water heaters must meet the performance requirements of the NZ Building Code.
	Sustainable Buildings Sustainable building means designing, constructing and operating buildings with low environmental impacts; whether building, or renovating...
	Vehicle Crossings The size and location of a vehicle crossing is controlled under the District Plan.
	Water Tanks Some water tanks and rain tanks will require a Building Consent.
	Weathertightness Building, buying or maintaining your property, and information about addressing 'leaky homes'.
	Wind Zones & Sea Spray Zones Depending on the location of your property, wind zones and sea spray zones may need to be considered in an application for Building Consent.