Building consent requirements simplified

From 16 October 2008, more kinds of common, minor building work will no longer need a building consent. This will save building owners considerable time and money, and will allow councils to focus on building consent applications that are more complex.

The measure is an important part of the package of reforms announced by the Minister for Building and Construction in March that aims to simplify the building consent process. Other measures in the package include a new Compliance Document for simple housing, multiple use 'national approvals' that will help group builders, and voluntary project information memorandas (PIMs) for most new buildings.

The list of work that does not need a building consent has been extended and now includes:

• changing existing household plumbing, including minor drainage work, as long as the work complies with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 1976
• building or installing a small cabin near an existing home, as long as the cabin is smaller than 10 m2 and does not have cooking or sanitary facilities, or facilities for storing drinkable water
• removing or changing an internal wall in an existing building, as long as the building's structural stability or the means of escape from fire are unaffected, and the wall is not a masonry wall
• building small awnings and pergolas, or small verandas over a deck
• installing, removing or replacing windows or exterior doors, provided there have not been weathertightness problems and there is no change to structural elements
• making a home more accessible
• fitting out shop or office interiors, as long as the work does not affect fire safety, sanitary facilities, structural stability or access for people with disabilities, and no specified system is modified
• erecting tents or marquees, as long as they are smaller than 100 m² (for private use) and 50 m2 (for public use), and will be used for less than a month.

The Department will shortly publish a guidance document on interpreting the building consent requirements contained in Schedule 1 to the Building Act 2004, including the newly added exempt work. This document will be available on the Department's website, www.dbh.govt.nz  Further information and guidance on the changes can also be obtained by contacting the Department on 0800 242 243.