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Home > Consents & Licences > Building Consents > Advice
Building Consent Advice
This page is designed to make the consent application process a little clearer for you. Our building control team are available to give you further assistance on (03) 319-5026.
Download our "Customer Guide to the Building Consent Process" (Click here >>>)
Download our "Customer Guilde to Inspection Requirements" (Click here >>>)
Clever Building Ideas to think of BEFORE you start building ...
Before you even start putting a design together for your home or commercial property, consider some sustainable building options prepared by the Building Research Association of NZ, that can save you money both in construction and energy/water use.
And while you're at it, why not check out how to build a warmer, healthier, more cost-effective home, prepared by the Department of Building and Housing.
Or download our very own Kaikoura Clues - a booklet full of tips to save you money and take care of Kaikoura's unique environment.
For reliable information about house building, renovation or maintenance, link to ConsumerBuild.
Our Building Control team
It is the goal of the Building Control team to ensure the natural and built environment of the district is sustainably managed, by providing a friendly helpful service to landowners, together ensuring that standards and guidelines set down in legislation and regulations are met.
We encourage the design and construction of sustainable developments and buildings to increase energy efficiency, reduce waste and increase efficient use of potable water. Before you even start putting a design together for your home or commercial property, consider some sustainable building options that can save you money both in construction and energy/water use.
How we can assist you
When you wish to apply for a building consent in Kaikoura, our customer services staff can give you helpful advice to get you started. Use our application checklists to make sure you are supplying us with all of the information we need, this will help make your application proceed smoothly.
We strongly recommend you apply for a PIM (Project Information Memorandum) as soon as possible in your planning stage. You will be advised about any information known to Council about any hazards or features of the land, and any restrictions that may apply to the area.
Once you've obtained your Building Consent and are ready to start building, there are certain things to keep in mind.
- Our Building Control staff need 24 hours notice of an inspection, particularly during this period of intensive growth in the district
- Missing inspections or covering up work prematurely could mean Council will not be able to issue a Code Compliance Certificate for the completed work
- Each inspection needs to be notified and any remedial work carried out before proceeding to the next stage
We are committed to helping you through the regulatory framework to achieve compliance with the legislation, for the protection and enjoyment of yourself and other residents and visitors to our most beautiful district.
Do you need a Building Consent?
Probably.
While there are some exemptions listed under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, Building Consent is required for most building work.
- Constructing a new building
- Any plumbing and/or drainage work, except routine maintenance and repairs
- Changing the structure of an existing building
- Constructing a shed or a glasshouse which exceeds 10 square metres and/or which is closer than its own height to any dwelling or to any legal boundary
- Changing the existing or approved use of a building, i.e. a dwelling to office use, a dwelling to flats etc
- Demolishing a building
- Renovations after a fire
- Any type of retaining wall more than 1.5 metres above its foundation
- Installing a swimming pool or large tank includes swimming pool fence
- Any wall or fence, other than a retaining wall over two metres in height
- Installing a solid fuel heating appliance
- A deck or platform which is one metre or more above ground level
- Relocating a building
- A tent or marquee exceeding 30 square metres and remaining in use for more than one month
- A mast, pole or telecommunications aerial more than 7 metres tall
The Application
a. A Building Consent Application and PIM Application must be made on the prescribed form, which is available on this website, or phone Council on (03) 319-5026 to request a copy.
b. All information indicated on the form must accompany this application.
c. Accompanied by the prescribed fee.
What will it cost?
Costs are calculated on the type of project and the value of work undertaken. Please contact the Kaikoura District Council on 319 5026 for costs, in some cases this may not be able to be assessed until the plans are viewed. Costs in full are required before an application can be processed.
How long will it take?
Legislation allows 20 working days to process a project information memorandum and building consent. It will take longer if we need further information from you.
What is a PIM?
A PIM or Project Information Memorandum is a document prepared by the Council when you lodge your building consent. The PIM assesses your building project against the District Plan or any relevant bylaws that are in place and outlines any other permits or consents you may need to apply for in order to undertake your building work.
You can apply for a PIM on its own, or with the building consent, but every building project must have a PIM generated before the building consent can be issued.
Why do you need a PIM?
The information provided on a PIM or building consent helps us assess your requirements prior to beginning the building project.
Note: A Project Information Memorandum (PIM) is not a permit or consent that allows you to start work. You must wait until the building consent has been approved before commencing any work on your project.
You will need a PIM for all building work. A building consent cannot be granted unless a PIM for that building work has been issued.
Except for internal alterations and minor works, you are encouraged to apply for a PIM prior to the building consent application. For major developments, new houses, large alterations and new commercial or industrial buildings, applying for a stand alone PIM at the earlier stage will be useful in establishing the feasibility and design of the project.
For further information contact our Building Team on (03) 319-5026.
