Do you need consent

If you are planning a project that involves demolishing, constructing, or altering a building, it is likely you will need some form of consent before you proceed.

What is a building consent?

A building consent is a formal approval to undertake building work in accordance with approved plans and specifications. A building consent establishes that your proposed building work complies with the building code. If you need a building consent, you must get it before building work starts.

It is an offence to build without a consent if one is needed. It could result in fines and possibly the removal of the building work. It may also make it difficult for you to sell the building or get insurance.

Building consent is not required in certain cases as specified under section 41 of the Building Act 2004.

Do you need building consent?

Buildit (link to external website, new window) is a tool for homeowners who want to renovate or repair their home. Buildit helps you find out if your building work needs a building consent, and what you need to do before starting physical work.

You will need building consent for most building work. Work that requires building consent includes:

• structural building - including additions, alterations, re-piling and some demolition
• plumbing and drainage work where an additional sanitary fixture is created (some repair and maintenance may be exempt)
• relocating a building
• installing, replacing or relocating a solid fuel heating appliance (new or second-hand)
• installing an air-conditioning system
• installing or altering a specified system (lifesaving feature)
• retaining walls higher than 1.5 metres (3.0 metres in rural area if designed by a chartered professional engineer)
• fences or walls higher than 2.5 metres, and all swimming pool and their associated fences
• sheds greater than 30 square metres in floor area. Sheds between 10 and 30 square metres will still need the help of an licensed building practitioner or engineer or must use lightweight material in accordance with Acceptable Solution (B1/AS1). Refer to our advice on backyard sheds page (new window).

Building work that doesn't need a building consent

You usually don't need building consent for low-risk projects. For a full list of building work that doesn't need building consent visit Building Performance - Exempt building work guidance (link to external website, new window). A copy of the exemptions is also available in the related information area.

Like all building work, exempt building work must comply with the building code and other relevant legislation, so it’s important to understand what you are doing before you do the work. Resource consent may also be required. If the building work is exempt you can still choose to apply for a building consent.

Check with a building professional and seek their advice before deciding whether building consent is required or contact Building Services by:

Email: building@dcc.govt.nz.

Online: Building Information Request

Phone: 03 477 4000

Discretionary exemption from building consent

You can apply for a discretionary exemption from building consent. We recommend talking to us first before applying.

We consider applications on a case by case basis and you need to note:

• there is no statutory time frame for us to make a decision – so allow plenty of time for processing your application in your planning
• there are no inspections carried out, and no code compliance certificate issued
• the responsibility for compliance with the Building Act and building code sits with you as the building owner.

When considering applications we:

• look at whether the work is being completed by qualified and experienced people
• check that the application shows a good understanding of the Building Act
• decide if your finished building work will meet the building code, or if it not then that it is unlikely to endanger people or any building on the same land or other property.

If your application is refused you’ll be given a reason. Depending on the findings, we may suggest you apply for a building consent.

No matter the outcome of our decision, payment is required to cover the time spent on reviewing your application. Charges are on a time and cost basis – see our fees for details (new window).

Discretionary exemption applications can be lodged using the DCC online portal (new window). You need to be a registered user (new window) to sign in and lodge an application online. The online form replaces the need to fill in a PDF application form.

• Guide to applying for an exemption from building consent
• MBIE - Everything you need to know

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