Building Control
To view information regarding a particular topic* please click on a title in the list below:
- Building Act
- Building Consents
- Multiproof Building Consent
- Code Compliance Certificate
- Compliance Schedule
Central North Island - Homeowner's Building Guide
*NOTE: the following information is not all inclusive, for full information regarding Building Consents please contact the Council on 0800 422 522 or
This section will provide a brief overview of the Building Act, New Zealand Building Code, the Department of Building and Housing and Building Levies.
To view information regarding a particular topic please click on a title in the list below:
The Department of Building and Housing
The Building Act
The Building Act 2004 aims to improve control of and encourage better practices in building design and construction to provide greater assurance to customers.
This means:
- People who use buildings can do so safely and without endangering their health
- Buildings have attributes that support the health, physical independence and well-being of the people who use them
- People who use a building can escape from the building if it is on fire, and
- Buildings are designed, constructed and be able to be used in ways that promote sustainable development
The New Zealand Building Code
The Building Code sets out the criteria that building work must meet.
The Building Code provides a range of ways to meet standards of performance.
The Department of Building and Housing
The Crown established the Department of Building and Housing, for the purpose of managing and providing guidance on building legislation and controls.
They also manage the Tenancy, Weather tightness, Determinations and Statistics/Monitoring of the building sector.
The Building Levies
A levy is attached to all Building Consents where the building work has an estimated value of $20,000.00 or more (including GST). The levy is used to fund The Department of Building and Housing functions and The Building Research Act 1969.
The levy is calculated on the total value of the building work, not just the amount over $20,000.00.
If the building work is going to be done in stages under several Building Consents, then the levy will be calculated on the total estimate of all stages, not on the individual value of each Building Consent.
There is currently two levies charged to a Building Consent, these are:
- The Building Industry Levy (DBH), and
- The Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ)
The Department of Internal Affairs administers the levies and reviews the rate on an annual basis. All levies include GST. If you wish to find out what the current levies are please contact Council.
To find out more, please click on the below links:
The Building Act 2004 (NZ Legislation website)
The Building Act 2004 (Information about the Act on the DBH website)
New Zealand Building Code Handbook
The Department of Building and Housing
The Department of Internal Affairs
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Building Consents
This section will provide you with the necessary information about Building Consents, exemptions, how to apply for and obtain a Building Consent and Code Compliance Certificate.
To view information regarding a particular topic please click on a title in the list below:
When will I need a Building Consent?
How do I apply for and obtain a Building Consent?
Residential/Commercial Construction
Vetting the Building Consent application
Frequent examples where an application is returned
Processing the Building Consent application
Suspending the Building Consent application
Granting and Issuing the Building Consent
What happens after the Building Consent is issued?
What happens if you wish to make changes to the Issued Building Consent?
Amendment to the Building Consent
Building Consent
A Building Consent is a formal approval granted by the Council which confirms the proposed building work shown in the documentation you provide complies with the New Zealand Building Code, the Building Act 2004 and Building Regulations.
In some cases, a Resource Consent or specific requirements of the District Plan may be required to be met. If you are unsure whether the building work you are proposing, requires a Resource Consent or meets District Plan requirements, please contact the Planning Department on (0800) 422522.
When will I need a Building Consent?
A Building Consent is required for most building work, this includes alterations and additions. There are exceptions where a Building Consent is not required. These exceptions are set out in Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004.
Under Exemption K of Schedule 1 the Council has the ability to exempt some proposed building work which requires a Building Consent, as long as:
- It is unlikely to be carried out otherwise than in accordance with the Building Code or;
- If carried out otherwise than in accordance with the Building Code, is unlikely to endanger people or any building, whether on the same land or another property.
The Rangitikei District Council has agreed that the following work will be seen as exempt:
Specialised Garages/Sheds:
Single Storey
No plumbing
Non-habitable, and
To be constructed by the Agent of the specialised Garage/Shed
Pole Sheds in a Rural Zone Only:
Less than or equal to 75 square metres, and
With a maximum height of 3.8 metres
If the proposed building work meets the above criteria, an application for exemption will be required.
NOTE: Please be aware that any building work that requires a Building Consent cannot start until a Building Consent is granted.
How do I apply for and obtain a Building Consent?
You will need to complete the prescribed Building Consent application form and attach two copies of the plans and specifications relevant to the proposed building work, as well as the required deposit or fixed fee.
A Certificate of Public Use application form may be required also, if the proposed building work will be undertaken where members of the public have access.
Once the Certificate of Public Use is granted work can commence, as it provides a detailed description where and how the premises/part or the premises will be used safely by the members of the public.
The Building Consent application form must be completed in full, and readable to ensure information is clearly understood. Section 13 of the Building Consent application form, provides you with a comprehensive guidance on how to fill out the form correctly. If you require further assistance the Council will be happy to assist, please contact the Regulatory Team on (0800)422522.
The plans and specifications should include:
Wood Burners (Fireplace)
- Manufacturer specifications for wood burner, cooker
- Floor plan showing the location of wood burner, cooker and smoke alarms
- Hearth, flue, flashing dimensions and specifications
- Wetback specifications
The wood burner will need to meet the Ministry for the Environment requirements.
Note: To be exempt from the Ministry for the Environment requirements, you will require a minimum of two hectares of land surrounding the building.
Residential/Commercial Construction
- A site plan, contours, datum, floor levels nominated, with measurement to boundaries
- Dimensioned floor plan for each level showing existing and proposed building work
- An elevation plan with window ventilation and cladding detail
- Two cross sections (One for garages and outbuildings)
- A plumbing, drainage, storm water layout
- Effluent disposal system details and plans
- Footing, foundation details
- Slab layout, foundation details
- Pile plan and subfloor framing layout
- Roof framing and bracing layout
- Bracing schedule
- Roof truss layout and design certificate
- Truss, purlin fixing and location nominated
- Weather tightness matrix
- Exterior cladding and flashing details
- Smoke detectors shown on plans
- Specific engineering design calculations and details
- Existing vehicle crossing details
- New crossing details
- Distances to boundaries and width of the crossing
Commercial Only
- Fire safety analysis
- Compliance with access and facilities for people with disabilities provisions
- Certificate of Public Use application form
You are able to submit the application form by:
- Mailing the application to the Rangitikei District Council Office, Private Bag 1102 Marton, 4710
- Dropping it off at the front counter at either the Marton Office (46 High Street, Marton) or the Taihape Office (90-92 Hautapu Street, Taihape)
- Emailing the application and documentation to
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Vetting the Building Consent application
All applications received by the Council will go through a vetting assessment. The vetting assessment is to ensure all relevant information required for processing by the Building Officer is attached.
If the application does not pass the vetting stage it is sent back to the Property Owner/Agent with a letter advising what information is required.
Frequent examples where an application is returned:
- Section 11 Building Code Compliance of the application form not completed
- Letter from the Property Owner giving authority to the Agent not attached
- Roof truss design certificate, layout and fixing details from a registered truss designer not included
- Engineers calculations/details for a specific design component missing
- Waste water design from a suitably qualified environmental engineer not attached
- Bracing calculations of the layout been omitted
- Flue and flashing details, location of smoke alarms and fire specifications missing
- Copy of the Compliance Schedule not attached and/or the Compliance Schedule section in the application form not filled in
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Processing the Building Consent application
During the processing stage, the Building Consent application may need to be seen by several teams within Council.
These teams consist of:
- Assets – Roading, Water and Sewage connection requirements
- Planning – Resource Consent and District Plan requirements
NOTE: You have the ability to amend the plans and specifications of the Building Consent application whilst being processed.
Once the Building Consent is granted and you wish to make an amendment(s), you will need to complete the Amendment to Building Consent application form. This application is processed the same as a normal Building Consent.
Suspending the Building Consent application
Further information may be required. If this is the case, a letter will be sent to the Property Owner and/or Agent identifying what information is required. The Building Consent application will be suspended until information is received.
Suspension of the Building Consent application will stop the 20 working day clock. The clock will recommence once all relevant information is received by Council.
Fees
A deposit is required when the Building Consent application is received by Council. The full cost of the Building Consent is charged on the actual time taken for processing and the inspection and levies required.
Once the Building Consent is granted, an itemised invoice will be provided.
The Building Consent fees and charges can be found in Section 9 of the Building Consent application form or within the Schedule of Fees and Charges.
Granting and Issuing the Building Consent
Once the Building Consent is granted and no further costs owing, the Building Consent will be issued and sent directly to the Property Owner or Authorised Agent.
Work must start within 12 months of the issue date, and completed within 24 months of the issue date. The Council will send a reminder letter to you prior to the end of the 12 and 24 month period.
If you are unable to start or complete the building work by these periods, you can apply in writing for an extension of time.
The Building Consent will contain:
- Building Consent Certificate, which outlines what conditions are to be met and what information is to be supplied when applying for a Code Compliance Certificate
- An Owners Site Inspection form, which will identify what stages inspections are required
- A Code Compliance application form, and
- The approved plans and specifications for building work
NOTE: Other documents such as a Addenda, Certificate of Public Use and/or a Section Certificate(s) may be attached to the Building Consent.
What happens after the Building Consent is issued?
Building work can now commence.
The Building Consent will indicate when inspections are required. It is the responsibility of the Builder to ensure that the appropriate inspections are booked and to ensure the Building Consent is on site.
The Council requires 48 hours notice when booking an inspection. Inspections are undertaken between 8:15am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday. Inspections will not take place if there is no personnel, granted Building Consent on site and/or the site is deemed unsafe.
Further costs will be incurred by the Property Owner if a re-inspection is required.
At the end of the building work, a final inspection will be carried out to ensure all works complies with the granted Building Consent and NZ Building Code.
Once the final inspection is passed and the Code Compliance application form is received. The Council has up to 20 working days to issue the Code Compliance Certificate.
If any further costs are owed, the Council will issue an invoice to the Property Owner. Once paid, the Code Compliance Certificate will be issued.
NOTE: If the building contains Specified System(s), the New or Revised Compliance Schedule and Compliance Schedule Statement will be issued the same day the Code Compliance Certificate is issued.
What happens if you wish to make changes to the Issued Building Consent?
Changes can only be made prior to the issuing of the Code Compliance Certificate. Once the Code Compliance Certificate is issued, no variation or an amendment to the Building Consent can occur.
All proposed changes should be discussed with Council. There are two options available, an Amendment to the Building Consent or a Minor Variation.
Minor Variation
A Minor Variation is when a minor modification, addition or variation to a Building Consent does not deviate significantly from the plans and specifications.
Listed below are some examples:
- Substituting comparable products i.e. (Substituting one internal lining for a similar internal lining)
- Minor wall bracing changes
- A minor construction change i.e. (changing the framing method used around a window)
- Changing a rooms layout
If the work meets the requirements of Minor Variations, the Council will note on the issued Building Consent the agreed changes. No formal application is required.
Amendment to the Building Consent
An Amendment to the Building Consent is required when the changes affect the footprint of the building, location of internal load bearing supports or fire safety aspects.
To apply for an amendment, the Amendment to the Building Consent application form will need to be completed. The application will be vetted and processed the same as a normal Building Consent application.
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Multiproof Building Consent
This section will explain what a MultiProof Building Consent is and who can apply and obtain a MultiProof Building Consent.
What is a MultiProof Building Consent?
The MultiProof service came into effect on the 1st February 2010. It enables volume builders to obtain a MultiProof or National Multiply-Use approval for standardised building designs that are intended to be replicated several times.
A MultiProof is a statement issued by the Department of Building and Housing. It confirms that a specific set of building plans and specifications complies with the NZ Building Code.
A MultiProof does not replace a Building Consent. You must each time, still apply and obtain a Building Consent if you are a holder of a MultiProof.
To apply for a MultiProof Building Consent, you will need to complete the Building Consent application form. The Council will assess the Building Code compliance for site specific features that are excluded from the MultiProof only. For this reason, the Council has 10 working days to grant or refuse to grant the Building Consent.
Who can apply for a MultiProof?
To find out how to apply for a MultiProof, please contact the Department of Building and Housing.
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Code Compliance Certificate
This section will explain what a Code Compliance Certificate is and when to apply and what information to supply with the Code Compliance application form.
- What is a Code Compliance Certificate?
- How do I apply and obtain a Code Compliance Certificate?
- What is an Electrical Certificate?
- What is a Producer Statement?
What is a Code Compliance Certificate?
A Code Compliance Certificate confirms all building work is completed and complies with the granted Building Consent and relevant NZ Building Codes.
How do I apply and obtain a Code Compliance Certificate?
It is the responsibility of the Property Owner to apply for the Code Compliance Certificate.
To apply for a Code Compliance Certificate, you will need to provide to the Council, the Code Compliance application form, which is attached to the Building Consent, any electrical certificates and/or producer statements.
Once the Council receives this information, a final inspection will be carried out to ensure all building work complies with the approved Building Consent and The NZ Building Code.
The Council has 20 working days to decide whether to issue the Code Compliance Certificate. The 20 working days starts once the final inspection is completed and is passed.
The Council will issue the Code Compliance Certificate if it is satisfied:
- The building work complies with the granted Building Consent and The NZ Building Code
- Where a Compliance Schedule and Compliance Schedule Statement is required, the Specified System(s) in the building are capable of performing to the performance standards set out in the Building Consent
- The final inspection is completed and passed
- Any further costs incurred, have been paid in full.
NOTE: Any building work taken out since the enactment of “The Building Act 2004” will require the owner to apply for the Code Compliance Certificate within 2 years of the Building Consent being issued or prior to the expiry date of the approved extension of time.
What is an Electrical Certificate?
An Electrical Certificate confirms work was undertaken by a registered Electrician and meets the electrical compliance requirements.
What is a Producer Statement?
Producer Statements are written statements confirming the plans and specifications or completed works comply with the technical requirements to some or all of the clauses of the Building Code. A Producer Statement is usually issued by a recognised specialist relevant to building work.
The Council will accept Producer Statements from a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng). If the author of the Producer Statement for design is not a CPEng, a peer review of the design from a CPEng engineer is required.
If the author of a Producer Statement for design or construction is not a CPEng or a peer reviewer is not CPEng, the producer statement will not be accepted.
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Compliance Schedule
This section will provide an overview of a Compliance Schedule, Compliance Schedule Statement, a Building Warrant of Fitness and the role of an Independent Qualified Person.
What is a Compliance Schedule?
A Compliance Schedule outlines what Specified System(s) that are within the building, the performance standards and the inspection, maintenance and reporting procedures to be followed. The Compliance Schedule is issued alongside the Code Compliance Certificate.
After the first 12 months, an annual Building Warrant of Fitness will be required. The Council will send out a reminder letter and a copy of the Building Warrant of Fitness one month prior to the 12 month period end date.
For all new builds and/or alterations to a building with Specified System(s), the Compliance Schedule is applied for with the Building Consent application.
For any amendments required to a Compliance Schedule, the Amendment to Compliance Schedule application form will need to be completed.
NOTE: If there is a current Compliance Schedule within the building and the building work does not affect any Specified System(s), a Compliance Schedule may not be issued.
What is a Compliance Schedule Statement?
This statement lists the Specified System(s) and the procedures needed to keep them in good working order. The Compliance Schedule Statement expires within 12 months. Prior to the expiry date it is to be replaced by the Building Warrant of Fitness.
A Compliance Schedule Statement is only issued when there is no existing Compliance Schedule or Building Warrant of Fitness for the building.
What is a Building Warrant of Fitness and who can complete the inspections and/or maintenance?
A Building Warrant of Fitness is a statement supplied by the Building Owner, confirming that the Specified System(s) for their building have been maintained and checked in accordance with the Compliance Schedule for the previous 12 months, and that they will continue to perform as required.
A Building Warrant of Fitness is supplied once the 12 month period for the Compliance Schedule has ended.
The Building Owner must provide to the Council, with their Building Warrant of Fitness, copies of all Form 12A Certificates from an Independent Qualified Person registered with Rangitikei District Council, confirming inspections and maintenance have been completed and any recommendations of amendments to the Compliance Schedule.
It is the Building Owners responsibility to provide an updated Building Warrant of Fitness and Form 12A Certificates to the Council every 12 months.
NOTE: The Council will send a Building Warrant of Fitness reminder letter approximately 1 month prior to the expiry date.
An Annual fee will be charged to the Building Owner upon Lodgement of the Building Warrant of Fitness.
