Dam PIMs required from regional authorities

Since 31 March 2005, regional authorities have been responsible under the Building Act 2004 for several building control functions associated with dams. These include a requirement to issue project information memoranda (PIMs) for proposed building work relating to a dam.

The roles of building consent authorities, territorial authorities and regional authorities in relation to dams are outlined in section 14 of the Act, with sections 31 to 39 setting out the requirements for PIMs.

If the proposed building work relates to a dam, sections 31 to 39 apply as if every reference to a building consent authority or territorial authority also includes a reference to a regional authority. Section 31 therefore requires that a building consent authority must, on receiving an application for a building consent relating to a dam, apply for a PIM to both the territorial authority and the regional authority. These requirements apply irrespective of whether the building is wholly or partly a dam.

The requirements do not apply if both PIMs have been issued before the application for a building consent is made.

Building work associated with dams includes work on appurtenant structures - ie, structures integral to the proper functioning of the dam. New Zealand Society of Large Dams guidelines identify that an appurtenant structure includes, but is not limited to, facilities such as intake towers, power-house structures, tunnels, canals, penstocks, low-level outlets, surge tanks and towers, gate hoist mechanisms and their supporting structures, and all critical water control and release facilities. Mechanical and electrical control, and stand-by power supply equipment located in the powerhouse or in remote control centres, are also appurtenant structures.

The PIM requirements are in force now and they are not contingent on the transfer of building consent authority functions associated with dams to regional authorities. All building consent authorities processing building consent applications for dams should therefore continue to ensure a PIM is obtained from their local regional authority as well as from their territorial authority.

Further information about regulatory responsibilities relating to dams can be obtained by emailed info@dbh.govt.nz or by phoning them 0800 242 243.