Apply for a Building Consent
About Building Consents
A building consent is the legal document that means you are able to carry out work on your building.
There are other laws that also need to be taken into account during the building process, such as council bylaws, the Resource Management Act, health and safety requirements and laws specifying that qualified professionals must do certain plumbing, gas and electrical work. Some of these laws or regulations may also be applicable during demolition or removal of your home (for example, removal of asbestos).
You must obtain a building consent before carrying out building work.
Visit our Building Consent FAQ's page if you're not sure whether you need a building consent or have other questions relating to building codes and consents.
How to Apply
The easiest way to apply for your building consent is online through the Simpli portal. All the application forms are available in the portal to fill out.
Other Ways to Apply
If you prefer not to use the Simpli online portal above, you can download applications forms in PDF format from the links below. Completed applications can then be submitted in the following ways:
- In person at Council's office, 96 West End, Kaikoura
- By email to building@kaikoura.govt.nz - If you are making a building consent application via email, please name your PDF attachment files in the following format:
- PDF Plans
- PDF Specifications
- PDF Supporting Documents (e.g. Engineers details, Geotechnical etc.)
- PDF Application (including proof of ownership)
Application Forms
If you prefer not to use the Simpli online portal above, most application forms are available to download in PDF format from the Simpli website on the link below. Any that are not on the website are available below in other forms.
Other forms
- Form 2 - Application for PIM and/or building consent
- Form 6 - Application for code compliance certificate
- Form 8 - Application for certificate of acceptance
- Form 14 - Application for determination
- Form 15 - Application for certificate for public use
- Owner Authorisation of Agent
- Adding Property Reports to Property File
- Application for a discretionary exemption from building consent for a standalone pole shed up to 200m² in a rural zone
- Application for an exemption
- Form 11 - Application for amendment to compliance schedule
- Construction Statement
- Application Form for Combined Vehicle Crossing and Vehicle Crossing Diagrams & Urban Map
- Woodburner Construction Statement
What to include in your application
To be deemed a complete application, the following information must be provided on the application form or through the online portal:
- The name and contact details of the building owner
- The name and contact details of the applicant
- The address of the building
- The year the building was first constructed
- The current lawfully established use of the building (including number of occupants per level and use if more than one type of use)
- A description of the nature of the building work
- Relevant plans and specifications
- A description of the impact, if any of the building work on the building’s specified systems
- To include an estimated value that needs to be appropriate for the work being applied for (section 63)
- A memorandum (Form 2A) from LBP (designer) if the application contains restricted building work, if not supplied the application will not be accepted for processing
- It must also be accompanied by the correct application fee with plans, specifications and any other information requested or required by Council or the Act.
Application Fees
You will need to pay a fee for the building consent. The amounts required are set out in our fee structure (see below). Our fees are based on the complexity of your project and the value of the proposed finished building. These fees are taken as a deposit (your account will be charged in NZD).
- Click here to download our building consent fees
- Click here to download our e-services Terms & Conditions
Also included on the fee structure is the government levy which is charged with your consent. The levy contributes to the development and management of national building regulations (Building Act and Building Code).Other levies are included on our fee structure as well.
If Council identifies something that requires further investigation, or wasn’t in your application, more information may be requested. You will need to source the information and might need to pay additional fees.
If you amend your plans once your building consent is granted, you will need to pay additional fees for Council to review your amendment.
Development contributions
Growth in the District as a result of subdivision and new construction puts pressure on Council services. It requires Council to upgrade its assets, or add new assets, to meet those demands. The Local Government Act (2002) allows Council to recover a portion of the costs from the developer through an additional charge called Development Contributions. Without development contributions existing ratepayers would have to fund these costs.
Project Information Memorandum (PIM) & Why you need one
A project information memorandum (PIM) is a report that outlines any information or special features of the land, as well as regulatory requirements that may impact/be relevant to building on that site. The report is prepared by Council and provides a basis of information for all parties involved in the project. Check out our PIM FAQ's for more information
Resource consents
You may need to apply for resource consent, depending on the requirements of the District Plan.
Under the Resource Management Act, regional and city or District Councils prepare plans to reflect the desires and aspirations of the local community in relation to natural or physical resources, and activities that affect the environment.
You may need a resource consent if you’re planning to:
- construct a new building or make additions or alterations to an existing building
- change a building’s or property’s use
- subdivide a property
- prune, remove or work near a protected tree
- carry out earthworks
- erect a sign
Before you start any activity that may affect your neighbours, your wider community or the environment, please consider contacting Kaikōura District Council and speaking with a Planning Officer regarding your proposal.
What does the Building Act say about Resource Consents?
Please note, under the Building Act 2004, section 37
A Territorial authority must issue a certificate if resource consent is required
(1) This section applies if a territorial authority considers that—
(a) a resource consent under the Resource Management Act 1991 has not yet been obtained; and
(b) the resource consent will or may materially affect building work to which a project information memorandum or an application for a building consent relates.
(2) The territorial authority must issue a certificate, in the prescribed form, to the effect that until the resource consent has been obtained—
(a) no building work may proceed; or
(b) building work may only proceed to the extent stated in the certificate.
(3) The certificate must be—
(a) attached to the project information memorandum; or
(b) if no project information memorandum has been applied for, provided to the building consent authority.
Producer statements
A producer statement is a professional opinion based on sound judgement and specialist expertise. It is not a product warranty or guarantee of compliance. If a producer statement is supplied with your building consent such as an engineer’s PS1 and the engineer has stated they will undertake site inspections to verify their design this then forms part of your approved building consent. Read more about producer statements here.