Building Consent Approval in New Zealand

Are you excited to start a new build or renovation but unsure whether you need council approval? You're not alone. Many people feel confused about local regulations and fear starting a project only to face legal or costly delays.

At MAV Studio, we've seen it all, and we understand how stressful this can be. With years of experience navigating New Zealand's council approval process, we can help you avoid roadblocks and keep your project on track. In this guide, you'll discover when approval is needed and how we can assist.

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Table of Contents

• Types of Projects That Require Council Approval in New Zealand

• The Process of Getting Council Approval

• How Designers Like MAV Studio Can Assist

• Consequences of Not Getting Approval

• Final Thoughts: Making Sure Your Project is Fully Compliant

Types of Projects That Require Council Consent in New Zealand

In New Zealand, building consent is needed for many types of projects to ensure that any building work meets the national Building Code and is safe, durable, and legally compliant. Below are common scenarios that require council approval:

1. Structural Building Work: This includes projects such as new builds, additions (like extensions or extra rooms), major alterations, or re-piling a foundation. Any significant changes to a building’s structure require consent because they impact the safety and stability of the property​

2. Plumbing and Drainage: If your project involves adding or altering plumbing systems, such as installing a new bathroom or kitchen, you’ll likely need approval. While minor repairs might be exempt, any work involving the creation of new sanitary fixtures (like an additional toilet or shower) typically requires consent​.

3. Relocation of Buildings: If you're relocating a building to a new site, you will need consent. This includes both moving houses and smaller structures like sheds​

4. Fences and Retaining Walls: Building fences over 2.5 metres high or retaining walls higher than 1.5 metres (3 metres in rural areas with a chartered engineer's design) require council approval​

5. Decks and Platforms: Decks, platforms, or bridges that are higher than 1.5 metres above ground level will also need to go through the approval process​

6. Sheds and Outbuildings: Sheds larger than 30 square metres will require consent. Smaller sheds (10–30 square metres) may not need approval if built with lightweight materials or following specific guidelines​

   
   

Work That May Be Exempt

Some smaller or lower-risk building projects are exempt from needing consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act. For example, small sheds under 10 square metres or fences under 2.5 metres in height generally do not require a building consent. However, it’s important to check with your local council because exemptions can vary depending on the specifics of your project​

Why Seek Professional Advice?

It’s crucial to seek advice from professionals such as designers or architects who understand New Zealand’s Building Code and can help ensure your project is compliant. MAV Studio can provide guidance on whether your project requires consent and can manage the process for you to avoid delays or fines for unapproved work.

If you're unsure, always check with your local council or consult professionals to confirm if consent is needed for your specific project.

The Process of Getting Council Building Consent in New Zealand

Once you’ve determined that your project requires council approval, it’s essential to understand the steps involved in the building consent process. Navigating this properly can save you time, money, and stress. Here's an overview of what to expect:

1. Pre-Application Stage

Before you even submit an application, it's wise to do some groundwork. This includes gathering relevant site information, checking local council rules, and obtaining a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) if needed. A PIM provides useful data on your site, like information about underground services or potential natural hazards, which can influence your project’s design and compliance requirements.

2. Submitting Your Application

The next step is preparing and submitting your building consent application. This involves detailed documentation, including your plans, specifications, and any certificates of work from Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) involved in the project. The more complete and accurate your application, the faster it will be processed. Most councils allow applications to be submitted online via their portals.

3. Processing Your Application

Once your application is submitted, the council has 20 working days to either approve or deny it. However, delays can occur if the application lacks necessary details or if the council needs further information. This can result in a Request for Further Information (RFI), which pauses the application until you provide the required details. During this time, your application will be reviewed by building consent officers who check if the plans meet the Building Code standards for safety, durability, and health requirements.

4. Approval and Documentation

If your application meets all the necessary criteria, the council will issue the building consent. This will come with stamped and approved plans, along with any conditions that need to be met. At this point, you can start your building work, provided you adhere strictly to the approved plans.

5. Inspections During Construction

During construction, the council will conduct inspections to ensure that the work follows the consented plans. These inspections are typically scheduled at key points, such as after the foundation is laid or once structural elements are completed. Make sure these inspections are booked in advance to avoid delays.

6. Code Compliance Certificate (CCC)

After the building work is completed, you’ll need to apply for a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC), which confirms that the work complies with the approved consent and the Building Code. The council has 20 working days to issue the CCC after reviewing the completed work and inspection records.

If any changes to the design occur during construction, you must inform the council to determine whether an amendment to your consent is necessary.

7. Final Steps

Once your CCC is granted, your project is officially compliant. Keep all documentation safe as it may be needed for insurance purposes or future property sales.

How MAV Studio Can Assist

Navigating the council approval process can feel overwhelming, especially when you're focused on designing your dream project. This is where having a professional designer, such as MAV Studio, can make a significant difference. Here's how:

1. Expert Knowledge of Building Regulations

Designers are well-versed in New Zealand’s Building Code and local council requirements. They can quickly determine if your project needs consent and ensure that your design complies with the necessary regulations right from the start. This helps avoid unnecessary revisions and delays during the approval process.

2. Preparing the Consent Application

A key part of getting council approval is submitting a complete and accurate application. MAV Studio can handle the entire preparation process, gathering all the necessary documentation, including architectural plans, specifications, and certificates from Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs). By ensuring the application is thorough, they help avoid issues like requests for further information (RFI) that can delay approval.

3. Managing Communication with the Council

Keeping in touch with the council throughout the project is crucial to ensure smooth progress. Designers can act as a liaison between you and the council, handling any queries, managing requests for additional information, and ensuring that inspections are scheduled at the right stages of the build.

4. Design Flexibility

If you encounter any changes during construction, such as needing to adjust materials or layouts, MAV Studio can quickly update your designs and liaise with the council to process any necessary amendments to your consent. This ensures that your project stays compliant, avoiding penalties or delays.

5. Efficient Project Management

Beyond just the design, MAV Studio can help with project management, ensuring that every aspect of your build adheres to the approved plans. This includes coordinating with builders, ensuring council inspections are passed, and submitting final documentation for the Code Compliance Certificate (CCC).

Consequences of Not Getting Council Approval

Failing to obtain council approval when it's required can lead to serious consequences that could affect the success of your project and its legal standing. Here’s what you could face if you proceed without building consent:

1. Legal Penalties

Carrying out building work without the necessary consent is illegal under New Zealand’s Building Act. If caught, you could face fines of up to $200,000. Additionally, if you continue with the work after being notified, you can be fined an extra $20,000 for every day the unauthorised work continues. Councils also have the authority to issue instant fines of up to $1,000 and can even remove any unauthorised, unsafe work.

2. ‘Notice to Fix’ Orders

If the council discovers non-compliant work, they can issue a Notice to Fix. This legally requires you to correct the issue by bringing the work up to code or obtaining the necessary approvals. If the work remains non-compliant or unsafe, the council may require it to be dismantled or removed.

3. Difficulty Selling or Insuring Your Property

Without the correct approvals, you may struggle to sell your property in the future. Buyers and property developers typically check for proof that all work was consented and compliant, especially for significant changes like extensions or new builds. If the necessary consents aren’t in place, you may have to retrofit the approval, which can be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, insurance companies may refuse to cover unconsented work, leaving you liable for repairs or damages.

4. Project Delays

If you're caught mid-project without the required approval, the council could halt your work until you obtain the necessary consents. This not only causes delays but also increases costs, as reworking plans or construction is often more expensive than doing it right the first time.

5. Safety Risks

Building regulations are in place to ensure the safety, durability, and quality of structures. Proceeding without approval increases the risk that your project will not meet these standards, potentially endangering those who use the building. Without inspections, essential issues like structural integrity, fire safety, and weather resistance could be overlooked, resulting in long-term problems.

Ensuring Compliance with Professional Guidance

Obtaining council approval might seem like a complex and time-consuming process, but it’s an essential part of ensuring that your building project is legally compliant and safe. With the help of experienced professionals like MAV Studio, you can navigate the approval process smoothly and avoid the potential pitfalls of unauthorised work. By getting the right consents upfront, you protect your investment, stay compliant with regulations, and avoid costly delays or fines.

Ready to start your project? MAV Studio can guide you every step of the way, from initial design to final council sign-off. Let’s make sure your project is compliant, efficient, and exactly what you envisioned.