What is a building consent?
A building consent is the formal approval given by Council that confirms building work, whether it is a new building or alterations, meets national building standards that are part of the Building Act, Building Regulations, and Building Code.
Why have building consents?
They are to ensure buildings and other structures are built to be safe and meet national rules and regulations.
Other considerations
Buildings must also comply with the Resource Management Act and Council’s District Plan. It is recommended that you contact the Planning Department prior to lodging your application to find out if there are any planning matters you need to consider.
A resource consent may also be needed. If this is the case Council will contact you.
Council will continue to process the building consent. If it is ready to be granted before the resource consent is approved, the building consent can be granted with a Section 37 Certificate either advising that no building work may proceed or building work may proceed but only to the extent stated in the Section 37 Certificate.
How long does it take to issue a building consent?
Council has twenty (20) working days from the date the application is formally accepted for processing, to decide whether to grant, or to refuse to grant the Building Consent.
Please note, when “formally accepted”, the processing clock starts. Council has ten (10) working days for multi-use building consents and 20 working days for all other types of building consent applications.
Important note: A building consent will lapse if the work is not started within 12 months after the date of issue of the consent. An application for an extension must be lodged prior to the 12 month period lapsing. Please contact Council if you will require more information regarding the lapsing of a consent.
Fees and charges
View the current fees and charges.
Need more information?
Refer to the Building Consent Application Guidance book for more detailed information.
For further assistance please contact Council here, email buildingcontrol@waimatedc.govt.nz or call +64 3 689 0000.
