Building Consent Application Guidance

What fields and boxes do I need to complete on the application form?

Please follow the instructions on each section of the form or if unsure, complete all fields and tick boxes, even if they are not applicable to your application. If we see ‘N/A’ in a field rather than it being left blank, we are less likely to come back to you with questions to complete it.

What is a Classified Use, for the current and proposed uses sections?

A Classified Use is the categorisation of a building, depending on its location and purpose. These are specified by the Building Regulations 1992, Schedule 1, A1 – Classified Uses, and are not in ‘layman’s terms. You can find our guidance document to these on our website to help determine which uses is applicable to your project.

I am the tenant/leasee of the property, who should I be putting as the owner? And what Proof of Ownership do I need to provide?

The owner should be the person or company who owns the building. As the tenant, you can put yourself as the agent or secondary to the building owner (if you have a designer as agent). It is also recommended to gain a letter of authorization from the owner to confirm that the work has been approved by them.

Proof of Ownership should be a copy of the properties Certificate of Title (no older than 3 months), with the owner name being the same as what is listed on the application form. If you hold a lease agreement, you should also provide this to confirm your relationship to the building and proposed work.

Can’t get a hold of the Certificate of Title? We can access one on your behalf for an additional charge, just ask.

What are the wind and/or exposure zone/s for my property?

Wind and exposure (risk/proximity to corrosive environments i.e. coastal sea spray) zones can be found on our public GIS system. Just search your property address and access the Layers tab to find the wind exposure zones.

What if I don’t have a digital signature to sign the application form?

As this form has a declaration section, we do require this to be signed either digitally or physically. If you do not have a digital signature, please print the form and sign it before scanning it back in for your application.

What is the estimated value of building work, and what fees are there associated with this?

The estimated value of building work should include the cost of the design work, the purchase of materials, and the labour costs. This value is then used to determine what Building consent fees you will pay.

You can gain a fees estimate and access our fees schedule at the fees calculator on our website.

What are plans and specifications?

Plans and specifications are documents that show us what work you are proposing to do, what products you are going to be using and how you are going to be complying with the building code. We have check lists available for residential and multi-unit & commercial work to help you determine what types of information could be required.

Please access our break down guide to Getting a Building Consent for more in-depth descriptions of what these documents may contain.

What specified systems information should I be including on the application form?

If your project is at a residential property and the consent does not involve installing a cable car, this section is not applicable.

If you are applying for a commercial consent and need further information on the specified systems and compliance schedule requirements, please get in touch with us directly to arrange a pre-application meeting.