What Needs Building Consent in NZ?
Typically: More info neededA plain-English guide to the building consent system for NZ homeowners
Building consent is required for most significant building work in New Zealand under the Building Act 2004. However, a wide range of common home improvement projects are exempt from consent under Schedule 1 of the Act. Understanding which category your project falls into is the first step.
General guidance only. This website provides general guidance only. It does not confirm that building work is exempt and does not replace advice from your local council, architect, architectural designer, engineer, planner, licensed building practitioner or other suitably qualified professional. Any exempt building work must still comply with the New Zealand Building Code and any other relevant legal requirements. Full disclaimer →
What is building consent?
Building consent is approval from your local council to carry out building work. It confirms that your proposed work complies with the New Zealand Building Code — the technical standard that all building work in NZ must meet. The consent process involves submitting plans and specifications, having them assessed by a building consent authority (usually your council), and then having the work inspected during construction.
Building consent is separate from resource consent (planning permission). You may need one, the other, or both — depending on your project.
Work that is exempt from building consent (Schedule 1)
Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 lists categories of building work that do not require a building consent. Common exempt categories include:
- →Detached single-storey timber or steel-framed buildings up to 10m² (e.g. small garden sheds)
- →Decks up to 1.5m above ground and 30m² in floor area
- →Carports up to 20m² attached to a house
- →Pergolas and shade structures within certain size limits
- →Like-for-like replacement of some plumbing fixtures in the same position
- →Standard split system heat pump installations by authorised persons
- →Fences up to 2.5m (timber/steel) or 2.0m (masonry) that are not retaining
- →Repair and maintenance work that uses the same or similar materials
Exempt from building consent does not mean exempt from all rules. Your district plan, the Building Code, and licensed trade requirements all still apply.
Work that generally requires building consent
The following types of work almost always require building consent:
- →New houses, major additions, and substantial alterations
- →Removing or altering load-bearing or bracing walls
- →Relocating plumbing, adding new wet areas, or significantly altering drainage
- →New garages, carports over 20m², and most habitable outbuildings
- →Swimming pools and spa pools (plus mandatory fencing)
- →Retaining walls over 1.5m or those supporting a surcharge load
- →Decks over 1.5m high or over 30m² in area
- →Sleepouts and minor dwellings, particularly if self-contained
- →Change of use of a building (e.g. converting a garage to a bedroom)
The cost of getting it wrong
Carrying out building work that requires consent without obtaining it is illegal and carries significant consequences for homeowners.
- →Fines of up to $200,000 for unlawful building work under the Building Act
- →Difficulty selling the property — LIM reports will not show a consent for the work
- →Insurance complications — insurers may decline claims related to unconsented work
- →Requirement to obtain a Certificate of Acceptance from council (expensive and not always possible)
- →In extreme cases, council can require unconsented work to be demolished
If you have carried out unconsented building work, seek advice from a building professional before attempting to sell or insure the property.
When to get professional advice
The rules around building consent are complex, and the consequences of getting it wrong are significant. It is always worth seeking professional advice when:
- →You are unsure whether your project requires consent
- →The project involves structural changes, plumbing, or significant alterations
- →The property is heritage-listed or in a character overlay
- →The site has geotechnical hazards, is on a slope, or is near the coast
- →You are planning to sell the property in the near future
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out if my previous owners did unconsented work?
Request a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) from your local council. A LIM includes all known consents, notices, and issues relating to the property. Your council's GIS viewer may also show building footprints that can be compared with consented plans.
What is the difference between building consent and resource consent?
Building consent relates to how a building is constructed — it checks compliance with the New Zealand Building Code. Resource consent (planning permission) relates to where and what you can build — it checks compliance with your district plan rules on land use, height, setbacks, and density. You may need one, both, or neither depending on your project.
Can I apply for consent after the work is done?
You cannot get a standard building consent retrospectively. If work has been done without consent, you may be able to apply for a Certificate of Acceptance, but this is more expensive, not always available, and council may require invasive inspections to assess compliance.
How long does building consent take?
Councils have 20 working days to process a building consent application once they have all the information they need. In practice, many applications are put 'on hold' pending further information, which pauses the clock. Simple applications may be processed faster; complex projects may take longer.
More information is needed to give a useful preliminary result. Contact your council or a building professional.
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Want professional advice on your project?
The team at 4C Architecture Studio works with NZ homeowners every day — from initial consent questions through to design and documentation.