Planning your building project

We recognise that working with you is vital for a successful building project. We are here to help. The resources on these pages will help you plan your building project.

Backflow prevention devices

We explain how to prevent backflow when you connect to the public water supply.

Building and renovation

Various building work may require building consent, discretionary exemption and/or resource consent.

Change of use

An owner who intends to change the use of a building must give notice in writing to the Council.

Decks and fencing

Your rights and responsibilities if you are wanting to build or repair a deck or fence on your property boundary.

Eco design advice

Learn how to make your building or renovation more eco-friendly. Book a free two-hour consultation with the Council's specialist Eco Design Advisor.

Exemptions

When building work is exempt from requiring a building consent and what conditions other building work can be considered for an exemption.

Fire engineering brief (FEB)

Ensure your fire safety designs that do not follow an acceptable solution, complies with the building code.

Floor level requirements

Find the minimum floor level heights for your property that will be considered as part of any building consent.

Minor variations or amendments

If you wish to make changes to your building consent this may be done by way of a minor variation or an amendment.

Partnership approvals service

Christchurch City Council offers a service to help developers with all aspects of approvals required for their projects.

Pre-application advice service

Our pre-application advice service offer the opportunity for you to discuss your proposed building project with Council staff and prepare your consent application.

Project information memorandum (PIM)

A PIM is a report issued by the Council that contains information known to the Council about your property and may be relevant to your building project.

Residential swimming and spa pool safety

All residential pools must have compliant pool barriers to keep young children safe.

Rights and obligations as a homeowner

Every project is different, but you still need to tick off essential stages to make it a success.

Staged building consents

The staging of building work can be beneficial for both the owner and the Council.