Apply for building consent

All building work needs to comply with the Building Code, and in most cases, you will need a building consent before you can start building.

Some building work is exempt from the requirement to obtain a building consent, you can find out more about exempt work here: 

Exempt building work guidance

A building project starts when the decision to build is made. It is important to understand early what requirements need to be met that might inform your design decisions.

Prepare your building consent application and include all required information, documentation and fees. Check the council’s website for any additional information that they might require, including familiarising yourself with the council’s electronic submission system.

A quality building consent application will avoid delays and reduces costs.

Application for a building consent

Who the application should be made to

An application for a building consent must be made to a building consent authority for the district in which the proposed building work is to be located.

What the application must include

This application must be on Form 2 from the Building (Forms) Regulations 2004.

Application for project information memorandum and/or building consent - Form 2 [PDF 280KB]

The application must include generic information as well as the following: 

• details of the location of building work
• description of building work
• details of any change of use (if applicable)
• estimated value of building work
• previous consents issued for the project (if applicable)
• subdivision details.

The following documents can be attached to the application (if applicable):

• plans and specifications and any alternative plans and specifications for pre-approval of product substitutions
• current CodeMark product certificates and any alternative CodeMark product certificates for pre-approval of product substitutions
• current BuiltReady manufacturer’s certificates (once manufacturers are registered and the scheme is implemented)
• certificates of design work from licensed building practitioners
• development contribution notice. 

Step-by-step guide to the building consent process

This step-by-step guide shows the building consent process from the pre-application stage, when site specific information is gathered, to when the code compliance certificate is issued. It will support you to understand early what requirements need to be met to help inform your design decisions. 

Building Consent Guidance 

This guide covers the building consent process for applications for new residential building work, however the principles can be applied to all building consent applications, including those for large and/or complex commercial projects. 

Who is this guide for? 

This guidance is for:

• Homeowners who wish to understand the process involved in applying for a building consent.
• Building practitioners (designers, builders, developers, engineers and architects) who are applying for a building consent application on behalf of the owner. 

Councils are also required to provide information to enable customers and applicants to navigate the steps and key requirements of the building consent process, and to make good consent applications. It is a good practice to check your local council’s website before you submit your application.

Make a good application 

Your building consent application should be clear, correct and complete, and include a suitable level of detail.

Standard order of documents checklist

This standard order of documents checklist can be used for residential dwellings and helps to ensure your building consent application is well organised and clearly set out. 

Standard order of documents checklist for building consent applications