You need a building consent for:

• Structural building - additions, alterations, re-piling, demolition.
• Plumbing and drainage (except for the repair and maintenance of existing components).
• Relocating a building.
• Installing a wood burner or air-conditioning system.
• Retaining walls higher than 1.5 metres.
• Fences or walls higher than 2 metres, and all swimming pool fences.
• Swimming pools.
• Decks, platforms or bridges more than 1 metre above ground level.
• Sheds greater than 10 square metres in floor area.

How do I apply?
You will need to complete a Building Consent Application Form.

To make an amendment to an approved building concent download and complete the Application For Amendment To An Approved Building Consent Form

These forms are published in the Adobe Reader format.  You will need to install the Adobe Reader program on your computer in order to read them.  If you do not already have the Adobe Reader installed you can download it from the Adobe website.

To make an application for Building Consent, you must provide the following information to show that your proposed work will comply with the NZ Building Code., you must provide the following information to show that your proposed work will comply with the NZ Building Code.

• Two copies of building plans and specifications, showing all necessary plans, elevations, cross sections and construction details of the work you propose to carry out.  Your drawings must show all timber sizes and treatments and all fixings.
• Two copies of the site plan showing dimensions of the proposed building from boundaries of the site and easements within the site.  The preferred scale is 1:200.
• Two copies of subfloor bracing design and calculation.  Detail all pile types and fixings.
• Two copies of wall bracing design and calculations.  Detail fixing of wall bracing elements.
• Two copies of truss layout and one copy of the design certificate.
• Two copies of all the fire egress details, full specification of the fall wall construction, fire doors and windows etc.
• Two copies of engineering calculations and drawings.  A design certificate could reduce the processing time.
• One copy of any supervision advice, where supervision is necessary.  A report will be required after the engineer has finished his supervision.
• Two copies of ground test details and reports.
• One copy of the report of the ground nature and any steps to be taken to prevent a danger to the building from such things and falling debris.

Note:  Ground that does not have a ground bearing capacity of 100 kPa will require to have the foundations specifically designed.

• One copy of a drainage block plan.  Show boundary lines and outline of the building at a 1.200 scale.
• Two copies of all plumbing, drainage and stormwater details.
• Two copies of electrical details where required by the Building Act 2004.
• Two copies of all mechanical services details i.e. sprinkler systems, lifts, air conditioning systems etc.
• Levels to be shown to establish site drainage.
• Details of backflow prevention.
• One copy of all test results i.e. percolation tests.

You must also provide the following:

• One completed Application for Building Consent form signed by you if you are the owner of the property or you must sign as the owner’s Builder, Designer, Trustee etc.

• BRANZ Levy .1% of the value of the work when the value, including GST exceeds $20,000.
• Department of Building and Housing, 0.197% of the value of the work when the value, including GST, exceeds $20,000.
• Wairoa District Council Consent Deposit 1% of the work, inclusive of GST, minimum deposit $150.

If you provide all of this information with your application, your Building Consent will be issued within 20 working days and then you will be able to carry out your intended building work in accordance with the Building Act 2004.

If any of this information is missing, your application cannot be processed and the 20-day period will be held up until YOU provide the information that is required.

NOTE: The above information is a guide.  Any questions should be discussed with the Regulatory Department. Wairoa District Council Regulatory Services will give you every assistance to help you comply with the requirement of the Building Act 2004 and help you to carry out your obligations under the Act.

For more information relating to Building Consents, you can contact Corinne Hamlin at Wairoa District Council Offices, and on (06) 838 7309.