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 buildings that are commercial, public or multi-unit residential 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 (e.g. an architect or draughtsperson) to help with design work, drawings, specifications and documentations.
  • You 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.
  • You find out if you also require resource consent – a pre-application meeting can help you with this. 
  • After Council has received the application, some types are required to be provided to the Fire and Emergency New Zealand for their advice. For your information the types of applications that need to provided can be found on the Gazette webpage.(external link)

Forms

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

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

Section 72 of the Building Act 2004 is concerned with building on land that is subject to a range of natural hazards, such as flooding, slippage, erosion.

There are difficulties in building on such hazardous land for both the owner and the Council. Refer to Building on land subject to a natural hazard for more information.

Watertightness of above ground sanitary plumbing pipework

Where above ground sanitary plumbing pipework is being installed as part of the building work to a multi-level commercial building and multi-level attached dwellings, the certifying plumber shall state on the B-084 that they have completed a suitable test.

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