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Building Control

The Building Control function is responsible for ensuring all housing is of a quality standard by fulfilling Council's obligations to the Building Act 2004.

This includes:

• Building Consent
• Code Compliance Certification
• PIMs (Project Information Memoranda)

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 administering the Building Act and ensuring your plans and specifications are in line with the New Zealand Building Code

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.

Do you need a Building Consent?

Probably.

While there are some exemptions listed under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, a 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 and/or contains sanitary facilities or facilities for the storage of potable water or Hazardous Substances
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 (any retaining wall to be built on a legal boundary, regardless of height, would be required to obtain a Building Consent as boundaries have the potential for live loadings)
Installing a swimming pool or large tank includes swimming pool fence
Any wall or fence, other than a retaining wall over 2.5 metres in height
Installing a solid fuel heating appliance
A deck or platform which is 1.5 metres or more above ground level Relocating a building
A tent or marquee exceeding 100 square metres and remaining in use for more than one month
A mast, pole or telecommunications aerial more than 7 metres tall

Erecting a Sign – refer to our exempt building work guide

The Application

Building Consent Application Forms

Building Consent Application Checklists (completed checklist must accompany an 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 and relevant checklist must accompany this application.

c. Accompanied by the prescribed fee. Our customer services officer will advise you of the consent fee at the time of lodgement. If you are posting your application please call our customer services officer for fee advise on 03 319 5026

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.

Inspection Prompts

Before booking an inspection for your building consent take a look at the relevant inspection prompt below to give you an idea of what we will be looking for while out on site. Check this prompt against your working plans to make sure everything is in order before booking an inspection. This could save you time and money! Failed inspections can cost $135.00 per inspection.

Pile Holes and Foundation Piles (BAM 200)

Concrete Footings and Foundation Walls (BAM 201)

Concrete Floor Slabs ( BAM 202)

Blockfill (BAM 203)

Preline (BAM 204)

Postline (BAM 205)

Pre-Wrap (BAM 206)

Post-Wrap (BAM 207)

Cladding/Envelope (BAM 208)

Plumbing (BAM 209)

Drainage (BAM 210)

Final Inspection – Garage and Sheds (BAM 211)

Final Inspection – Residential and Habitable (BAM 212)

Final Inspection – Commercial/Industrial (BAM 213)

Log Fire Inspection (BAM 214)

Wet Floor/Tanking Inspection (BAM 215)