Before applying
You are responsible for checking a number of things before you apply for building consent. Make sure you know the answers to these questions:
- Am I allowed to do this?
- Do I need a resource and/or a building consent?
- Who do I need to talk to?
- What are my obligations?
- How long will it take?
- How much will it cost?
- What can I do if it goes wrong?
The person completing the application (you or your architect, builder or project manager) needs to understand the application requirements and the Building Code, and also be able to provide or source the information that shows how your project will comply.
Book a pre-application meeting to get professional advice on the consent application process from one of our building support officers. Before you apply they can go through your application to check it is correct and complete.
How to use the application system
At Step 2 below, you will apply for Building Consent online. Our online system allows you to apply, add extra information and track the progress of your consent. To use the system you will need a New Zealand Government RealMe account.
View our video guide to using the online Building Consent application process.
Step 1: YOU
Read the checklist
1. Before you apply
Before you lodge your application, make sure you have:
- details of the building work location
- information about the owner (name, address, Record of Title for the property, etc.)
- relevant clauses of the Building Code and how the work complies
- waivers and modifications sought for any Building Code clauses, and the reasons
- an estimated value of the building work
- detailed plans and specifications showing site, foundations, drainage and bracing (include a clear description of materials and building elements that cannot be shown in drawings)
- any resource consent certificate or other permit
- any development contribution notice
- details of any practitioners engaged to carry out restricted building work (including licence numbers)
- a RealMe account if you are applying online
- any other information we request.
You will probably need someone who understands the Building Code to help complete your application. A good application can help the process run smoothly and reduce the need to rework or provide more information.
2. Provide an accurate historical record
Depending on your project, you might also need to provide:
- schedule or schedules of materials, products and systems to be used (including any maintenance requirements)
- design calculations (for example, for a specifically engineered design element)
- Project Information Memorandum
- manufacturers’ data
- technical opinions or appraisals
- codes of practice
- any specified systems (in a new build)
- modifications or additions to a specified system (in an existing building).
Your application should provide an accurate historical record that can be used when further building work, alteration, repair or maintenance is needed, or the property is sold.
If you make any changes to the plans after the consent has been granted, let us know and find out how to amend your plans.
Fees you may expect to pay
Once consent has been lodged, we’ll send you a full itemised invoice. You can pay this online or in person.
| Building Consents | ||||||||||
| Building Consent fees are excluding document management fees. Additional fees may also apply - see additional building consent related fees. Building consent fees are owed once you have submitted your application and will be required to be paid in full before granting. | ||||||||||
| Commercial | ||||||||||
| Demolition Commercial | $1,364.00 | |||||||||
| Commercial Minor Works (including but not limited to installing a steel beam, installation of a sink, installation of a door) |
$1,144.00 | |||||||||
| Small Commercial building works | $2,525.00 | |||||||||
| Internal Fit out and Alterations | $5,014.00 | |||||||||
| Up to 2 Storey | $9,338.00 | |||||||||
| More than 2 storeys and/or > $1,000,000 | $12,836.00 | |
| More than 2 storeys and/or > $1,000,000 | plus additional hourly rate where applicable | per hour | $219.00 |
| Request for Further Information during processing - minimum of 1 hour charged | per hour | $219.00 |
| Residential | ||||||||||
| Solar and retrofit insulation | Free | |||||||||
| Minor Works | $574.00 | |
| Spa pools | $1,364.00 | |
| Swimming Pools | $1,364.00 | |
| Garages | $1,481.00 | |
| Small Building Works | $1,481.00 | |
| Outbuilding Habitable | $2,525.00 | |
| Alterations and Additions | $2,743.00 | |
| Dwelling Single Storey | $5,487.00 | |
| Dwelling 2 Storey | $7,422.00 | |
| Dwelling 3 Storey or More | $11,510.00 | |
| Attached Residential Units | plus per unit charge after 1st unit | per unit | $2,507.00 |
| Demolition Residential | $1,144.00 | |
| Relocatable | $1,900.00 | |
Step 2: YOU
Submit your application
Submit your completed application online, or in person, along with all documentation.
Step 3: Council
What to expect from us
1. Once we have your application
Once we have your application, we will:
- within 48 hours we will decide if we accept the Building Consent
- check it is complete
2. The report and recommendations
One of our consents officers may:
- reject your application if it’s incomplete
- ask for more information
3. Still need help?
Contact our building support officers for guidance at any stage of the building consent application process.
For guidance on a range of building matters, including information about building consents:
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Last updated 27 July 2023