Processing a building consent application

All applications, regardless of how they are received, are vetted to check if all information has been provided - this is not a technical check. Your application may be rejected at this time if insufficient information has been provided.

Applications are generally processed in order of receipt. We endeavour to issue all building consents within 20 working days of receipt but if the application is incomplete, or we have to seek more information, then the clock will stop until the application is fully complete.

The Building Control Officer will check the application in detail for compliance with the New Zealand Building Code and will use the information in the application form, the plans, the specifications, and other supporting data, to do that. This is the key process for gaining approval of the project as Building Code compliance is essential.

If compliance with the Building Code is not shown or is not clear then further information may be asked for (requests for additional information will be sent to the agent identified on the application) or the application may be returned. The Building Control Officer will also check the PIM at this stage, if there is one, and make sure that all PIM requirements are included in the application.

Some consents will require a peer review by an external assessor. Examples: a review of a structural or mechanical design carried out by a Chartered Professional Engineer, fire design for a proposed building (not residential) and/or a geotechnical report, or a review of the fire design by the Design Review Unit (DRU) at Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ). Any application requiring such a review should identify this in the application to avoid delay in sending away for the review.

The Design Review Unit (Fire and Emergency New Zealand) has 10 working days in which to assess an application. It is therefore important to highlight this requirement in the application to avoid delays.