Building consent information
Putting together a building consent application can be complex. Depending on the type of work, we recommend you work with an experienced professional, such as a designer or an architect, to help with putting together plans, specifications and required documentation before applying.
What is a building consent?
A building consent is the formal approval issued by a building consent authority (Taupō District Council) that ensures certain works meet the requirements of the Building Act 2004 (the Act), Building Regulations and the Building Code. You cannot undertake any building work that requires a building consent without this approval.
Building work that is considered minor or low risk may not need a building consent under Schedule 1 of the Act.
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment - Guide to applying for a building consent
Do I need a consent?
A building consent is required for most work including:
- structural building - additions, alterations to existing buildings and demolition
- new buildings
- decks, platforms or bridges more than 1.5 metres above ground level
- retaining walls higher than 1.5 metres
- plumbing and drainage work
- relocating a building
- changing the use of a building
- installing a fireplace or airconditioning system
- fences or walls higher than 2.5 metres
- swimming or spa pools and their associated fences/safety barriers
- sheds with a floor area greater than 10 square metres.
Schedule 1 of the Building Act lists the building work exempt from requiring a building consent.
More information
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment - Schedule 1 guidance
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment - Work exempt from consent
As a building owner, you are responsible for ensuring any exempt building work complies with the Building Code and that it doesn't breach any other Act.
Although the work may be classed as exempt under the Building Act, other approvals such as resource consent may be required. If you're not sure about other approvals, please phone us on 07 3760899 and talk to one of our development advisors.
You can formally record your exempt building work on your property file by making an application online for exempt building work.