A certificate of acceptance provides a limited assurance for a current or future building owner that part or all of specified building work complies with the building code. The assurance is limited by what we can inspect of the building work and the evidence provided. See sections 96-99 of the Building Act 2004 for more information.
Certificates of acceptance are based on the Building Code at the time the application is made rather than what was in place at the time a building consent was granted, should have been applied for, or when the work was actually carried out.
If you want to apply for a certificate of acceptance, please download and complete the application form submit your application in full to BuildingCompliance@fndc.govt.nz
Your application should be accompanied by:
- Proof of ownership, current certificate of title.
- Architectural drawings, site plans, elevations, floor plans.
- Relevant certification, i.e. Electrical, gas certificates
- PS4 from engineers if applicable - PS3 from plumber, drainlayer etc
- Expert opinion reports
- Relevant Photos
When Building compliance have received your application, an invoice for payment of the lodgement fee will be provided, please make payment using your invoice reference. Upon receipt of a complete application and lodgement fee payment. Your application will be lodged for processing. Before your certificate of acceptance is issued, we will send notification, together with an invoice. All fees must be paid before the certificate of acceptance is issued. A building levy may apply if the application relates to section 96(1)(a) of the Building Act 2004 and the estimated value of building work is $65,000 or more.
If the building is a commercial or public building, you must include a list of all the building’s specified systems along with fire reports and any system commissioning statements to show that the systems have been installed correctly and maintained by professionals – IQP’s. If the building does have specified systems you are reminded to check out your owner obligations under the Building Act 2004, Building Warrant of Fitness. More information can be found on Compliance Schedule.
The information provided in your application will form the basis of the building’s compliance and should demonstrate how building code compliance provisions have been satisfied (including those parts that have been enclosed and cannot be inspected). For a swift outcome, we recommend that you engage a building professional with appropriate insurance who specialises in these areas to assist in compiling your application. This may include a Licensed Building Practitioner, Engineer, Designer or Architect, registered electrician, certified plumber, drain layer, gas fitter and IQP for specified systems. They will advise what records are required and assist council with processing.
