Alternative solutions

An alternative solution is a building design solution that differs totally or partially from those contained in the Acceptable Solutions, but still meets the performance requirements of the Building Code. It can be a minor variation from a Compliance Document, or a radically different design and construction approach.

Any alternative solution proposal will still need to comply with the Building Code, so a building consent authority will require sufficient evidence to be satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that a particular consent proposal will meet the performances of the relevant Building Code clauses. These are ‘stand-alone’ solutions considered and approved on their individual merits.

Therefore, in contrast to Acceptable Solutions within the Compliance Documents, alternative solutions are subject to the approval of the building consent authority.

Some ways that may be put forward to demonstrate that an alternative solution proposal will meet the relevant parts of the Building Code include:

• comparison to a Compliance Document
• evidence of successful in-service history
• other documents
• expert opinion or technical appraisals.

The onus of proof of compliance is with the building owner or their agent, such as a designer. The owner/applicant must provide sufficient evidence showing that the proposal meets the performances of the Building Code. When the design is complex, the standard of proof will be significant - the building consent applicant's word that it will work is not usually sufficient.