What Is A Building Consent And Why Do I Need One?

Written by building4u on Wednesday, 24 August 2011 12:24 in Building Consents
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A building consent is approval from your building consent authority to carry out building works at a specific site. It ensures proposed building, plumbing, drainage and fire safety requirements comply with the Building Code, i.e. that the building is safe, sanitary and suitable for the purpose intended. Work carried out without the required building consent is regarded as illegal and may place people’s safety or property at risk.

What is a Project Information Memorandum (PIM)?

A PIM is issued by your building consent authority and it details any information your building consent authority may be aware of that could affect your proposed project such as potential erosion, subsidence, slippage and flooding. For all larger projects, new houses, large alterations and new commercial or industrial buildings, a PIM may be very useful in establishing the feasibility and design practicality of the project. We strongly recommend that you obtain your PIM early and use it as input into your detailed design. If you do not apply for a PIM before lodging a building consent application, your building consent authority is required by the Building Act, to issue one with your consent.

What types of building consents can I apply for?

You can apply for a specific type of building consent to carry out your proposed building work. The following building consent types are typically available:

Residential applications

  • New Dwelling
  • Alterations and Additions
  • Residential Units – more than 1
  • Swimming Pool
  • Relocated dwelling
  • Demolition/Removal
  • Fireplace
  • Minor Drainage (<$1,000)
  • Minor Unit
  • Backflow Prevention
  • Solar Heating Panels
  • Project Information Memorandum (PIM)
  • Amended Plans
  • Certificate of Acceptance (COA)
  • Commercial applications
  • New Building
  • Alterations and Additions
  • Swimming Pool
  • Relocated Building
  • Demolition/Removal
  • Internal Shop Fit out – Existing Use
  • Internal Shop Fit out – Change of Use
  • Minor Drainage (<$1,000)
  • Backflow Prevention
  • Solar Heating Panels
  • Minor Building Work (Signs, Marquees, etc)
  • Project Information Memorandum
  • Certificate for Public Use
  • Amended Plans
  • Certificate of Acceptance (COA)
  • What about erosion and sediment control?

Erosion and sediment control plans have to be submitted as part of any building or resource consent process which will result in more than 50 square metres of site area being disturbed. This requirement was introduced to help minimise erosion and prevent sediment discharge into streams, lakes and the sea. Landowners, contractors and developers are required to follow certain measures to control sediment on small development sites. Failure to comply may result in failed building inspections, time delays, additional costs and enforcement action.
 

Last modified on Wednesday, 24 August 2011 15:37
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