Do I need building consent for my project?
Use our free NZ consent checker to prepare a council enquiry and understand whether your project may need further review.
Answer a few project questions
Tell us about your project type, location, and key characteristics — structural work, plumbing, change of use, and more. Takes about two minutes.
Get cautious guidance
Our rules engine applies general principles from the Building Act 2004 to give you a preliminary result — always worded carefully, never definitively.
Generate a council enquiry email
We produce a ready-to-send pre-application email to your local council, with the right questions asked in the right way.
Book a project review if needed
For complex projects, connect with 4C Architecture Studio for professional consent advice, design, and council liaison.
The checker takes about two minutes. Results are preliminary guidance only — always confirm with your local council before starting any work.
Start the check →What kind of work are you planning?
Council rules can be confusing. Small changes can trigger big requirements.
The NZ building consent system is designed to protect people — but it's complex, and the thresholds aren't always obvious. A small change to your plans can be the difference between exempt work and a formal consent application.
This tool doesn't give you a definitive answer. It gives you the right vocabulary and the right questions to take to your council — so you don't walk in blind.
Small changes can trigger big requirements
Removing a wall, shifting a toilet, or raising a deck by 200mm can be the difference between exempt work and a full building consent application. The rules are specific and the thresholds are easy to miss.
Council rules vary across NZ
District plan rules differ between territorial authorities. What's straightforward in one area may require resource consent, engineering input, or heritage review in another.
Getting it wrong is expensive
Unconsented work can require retrospective consent, costly alterations, or even demolition. It also shows on LIM reports and can complicate the sale of your property.
Ready to check your project?
The free checker takes about two minutes. If you need professional input, our team at 4C Architecture Studio is available for a project review.