Building Consents

This document provides information on when a building consent is required, Project Information Memorandum (PIMS), and how to go about obtaining a building consent. It also outlines which building work can be carried out without obtaining a building consent from the Napier City Council.

All building work must be carried out in accordance with the building code and the Council's District Plan whether or not it is exempt from a building consent.

A resource consent may still be required.

Please contact the Town Planning Department if you are unsure whether a resource consent is required or requirements of the District Plan will be met.

When Do I Need a Building Consent?

A building consent is required for building work as defined in the Building Act 2004 including:

• Additions/Alterations (Contact the Building Consent Office with reference to minor alteration work. (06) 834 4175 or (06) 834 4179
• Structural building (including new buildings)
• Plumbing work
• Drainage work
• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems necessary for the functioning of the building
• Lifts
• Siteworks associated with the building
• Demolition
• Relocation of secondhand buildings

What is a project information memorandium?

A Project Information Memorandum (PIM) will be especially helpful in designing new buildings and extensions to the existing structures. It provides information on the land on which you wish to build, the location of services and lists the various approvals the Council may be required to issue.

Information on the PIM application procedure and detailed information provided by the Council in a PIM is explained is a separate document titled "Project Information Memorandum".

Providing that all the information has been supplied with the application, the memorandum will normally be issued within 20 working days of receiving your request.

How do i obtain a building consent?

Building consent application forms are available from the Council office, 2nd floor, Library Building or they can be posted or faxed to you (Phone (06) 834 4175 or (06) 834 4179). They are also available for downloading in the forms section

A deposit is required when your application is lodged at the Town Planning Department.

The full fee will be charged at the time of issue of the Building consent and this fee will be calculated on the actual time spent in processing the application and inspecting construction work.

Your application will be assessed for compliance with the New Zealand Building Code. The Council may use Specialist consultants to assist in this assessment.

Providing all the required information is supplied with the application your consent should be available within 20 working days. If any information required is not supplied at the time your application is lodged, then this will delay the processing of your consent.

Exemptions from a building consent

A building consent is not required in respect of work exempted in Schedule One of the Building Act.

A document published by the Department of Building and Housing called "Guide to Exemptions from Building Consent Requirements" can be located on the following website: www.dbh.govt.nz (pdf 190kb)

What should i do when the work is completed?

To enable us to issue the required Code Compliance Certificate you will need to notify the council when the work has been completed. The form for this is attached to your building consent and when completed should be returned to the Town Planning Department. An inspection of the work will then be carried out to ensure it complies with the New Zealand Building Code and, if so, a compliance certificate will be issued.

Any cost incurred by the Council additional to that paid at the time of issue of the building consent is payable prior to the issue of the Code Compliance Certificate.