Building Information and Consents

Whether you are planning to build or renovate a home or business, almost everything you build needs to meet a number of standards and regulations.

Kaikōura District Council is the Building Consent Authority for our district, providing building consent for work that needs approval and inspection under the Building Act. 

 

Important update on changes to building inspections in Kaikōura District from December 2022

 

Because of a shortage of Building Control Officers (BCOs), as from Monday 5 December 2022 onwards on-site building consent inspections will generally only be available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

For certain types of work at suitable locations we may also be able to offer remote consent inspections.  Remote inspections are conducted interactively between the builder and a BCO outside of the District via an app on the builder’s smartphone or tablet to show the BCO details of the work that has been done.

Council is endeavouring to maintain a building control service in a very challenging environment and the patience of builders and consent holders as we work through this would be much appreciated.

If you have any queries please contact KDC’s building control administration team on 03 319 5026.

 


Step 1: Do you need a building consent?

Click on the image below to be redirected to the canibuildit.govt.nz website.  We recommend this as a first step when you are considering a building project.  It has easy to use tools to help you decide whether you need a consent or not, some building projects are exempt. 

Remember, even if your project does not require a building consent it still needs to comply with the Building Code.  The canibuildit website will also provide links to the relevant part of the building code that applies to your project.

 

Buildit screenshot

 

Applying for a discretionary exemption

The Building Act also allows Council to permit building work to be undertaken without a consent if the proposed work is likely to be performed in accordance with the Building Code, or failing that, it is unlikely to endanger people or any building.

You MUST apply to Council for a discretionary exemption. Council will undertake a risk assessment of the building work proposed on a case by case basis.

More information on restricted building work can be found here.


Other helpful information

For other questions in relation to a building project visit the building.govt.nz website.  It provides information on the Building Code, Your Rights & Obligations, how to lodge a complaint, the building process, earthquake prone buildings and answers to just about every other question you might have.

 

Building performance online2

 


Step 2: Applying for a Building Consent

 

Step 3: Building to a Consent

 

Related Links

Helpful information about building from a variety of sources:


5 August 2022