Prepare for a building project
To prepare for a building consent, the property owner and their agent (for example, the designer, planner, architect) talk to people, clarify their ideas and research their build process.
When you need a building consent
Before you start work, you can check the Can I build it? website to see if you need a building consent.
Work requiring a building consent includes:
- most building work that includes new buildings, additions, alterations, accessory buildings (sheds), and repiling
- plumbing and drainage
- heating (solid fuel fireplaces), ventilation and air conditioning systems
- site works for a building
- retaining walls with any portion higher than 1.5 metres, or retaining walls with a surcharge such as a building or driveway near the top
- fences higher than 2.5 metres and any swimming pool fence
- swimming pools and large tanks
- decks with any part more than 1.5 metres above ground level.
Our Guide to getting a building consent (Form 558) [PDF 1.79 MB] is essential reading for anyone planning a building project or applying for a consent. An application pack is available on request.
Schedule 1 of the Building Act lists building work that does not require a building consent.
Steps
When you're thinking about starting a building project these are the steps you'll need to follow:
1. Owner engages designer to design the build, and investigate if a resource consent may be needed.
Note: find out more about what a resource consent is.
2. Owner appoints agent to get building consent
3. Agent arranges engineering site assessment and associated output
4. Agent meets with Council to discuss consent application
5. Owner/Agent pays Council fees
6. Agent applies for project information memorandum (PIM)
7. Council collates and provides PIM
8. Agent uses PIM to determine any special features or requirements
9. Designer completes design of the build
10. Designer collates all plans, details and specifications,
11. Designer supplies plans and documentation to Agent/Owner
Apply for project information memorandum
A project information memorandum (PIM) is a detailed report relating to a specific project on a property.
While not mandatory, PIMs can reduce delays in obtaining approvals and highlight potential issues in large projects. You can apply before lodging a building consent application or as part of your building consent application.
You can choose to apply for a PIM when you apply for your building consent if you wish.