Processing your application
Here’s how the process works when you, or your agent or architect, lodge your building consent application:
Content check
We check your application form for completeness, and review the plans, specifications and other supporting information to make sure you have supplied all the required information. This is a content check only, not a technical check.
20-day clock starts
We have 20 working days to process your building consent application. If your building consent involves a National Multi-Use Approval, we have 10 working days to process the application.
The clock starts on the next working day after the day on which a complete application is received.
If we request further information, the clock stops and does not restart until we receive all of the information requested. If a response to an RFI is not received within 20 working days, the application will be refused.
Technical check
Once the application has been accepted, we check your application to make sure it complies with the New Zealand Building Code. In particular, we check the plans and specifications against the compliance path described in the building consent application and the performance requirements of the Building Code.
Once we are satisfied on reasonable grounds that the building work will comply with the Building Code we will grant the consent. If we are not satisfied the consent will be refused. If we refuse the application we will explain the decision.
Specialist input
In some cases we may ask a specialist consultant to process part or all of your consent.
Request for further information (RFI)
We may contact you or your agent with questions during the assessment process. If further information is requested, the 20-day clock is suspended until all of the requested information has been provided. Information will not be accepted if it is provided in piecemeal fashion. The clock restarts once we have confirmed that all of the required information has been provided.
You have 20 working days to provide the information requested in full to prevent the application being refused.
Check from other departments
The consent will also be reviewed by other Council departments such as Planning (Resource Consents) and Roading. If they have any questions they will contact you.
Approval and fee
If we approve your application we get in touch to let you know, and advise you how much to pay.
Consent documentation issued
Once you’ve paid your invoice, we will return your approved consent documents by email.
Inspections
You must print all of the consent documentation (to the original scale) and have it available on site when requesting an inspection.