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.

A building consent is required for most building work, including:

• New buildings (unless exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act)
• Alterations to buildings (unless exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act)
• Additions to buildings
• Drainage work and adding plumbing fixtures
• Relocating buildings
• Installing, replacing and relocating solid fuel heating appliances
• Installing and altering specified systems
• Swimming pool fencing and most swimming pools
• Retaining walls (unless exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act)
• Change of use of buildings