What you need to consider when obtaining a building consent for a commercial, public or multi-residential building.

Whether your build is simple or complex it is important to understand the consent process, and how it protects people and property.

Most commercial, public or multi-unit residential buildings have additional requirements to make sure they remain safe to use once the building work is complete.

We recommend that you:

  • engage an experienced professional (for example, an architect or draughtsperson) to help with design work, drawings, specifications and documentation
  • understand how to apply for a building consent. Find out early in your project if a pre-application meeting will help you plan your project
  • find out if you also require resource consent – a pre-application meeting can help you with this

Some types of applications must be provided to Fire and Emergency New Zealand for advice, after the Council has received the application. More information about these types of applications can be found on the Gazette webpage.(external link)

Forms

Please include and carefully complete these forms when applying for a multi residential, industrial or commercial building consent:

Other forms you will require if the items listed below are included in your application:

Fees

Refer to the Building Consents Fee Schedule and Resource management schedule of fees.

Building on land subject to a natural hazard

Sections 71 - 74 of the Building Act 2004 covers building on land that is subject to a range of natural hazards, such as flooding, slippage and erosion.

Building on land subject to a natural hazard may require further assessment. Refer to Building on land subject to a natural hazard for more information.

Watertightness of above ground sanitary plumbing pipework

The certifying plumber should state on the B-084 that they have tested above ground sanitary plumbing pipework installed in a multi-level commercial building and multi-level attached dwellings during building work.

Acceptable solutions for testing can be found in G13/AS1 Section 7.1 and AS/NZS 3500.2 Section 15.

Refer to Construction Statement for Pipework Testing [DOCX, 280 KB].

Other useful information