Previous determinations

Determinations are made by MBIE on matters of doubt or dispute to do with building work. Rulings are legally binding, but only in relation to each case.

Previous determinations may provide some useful guidance for those faced with similar problems, but note that individual circumstances may vary.

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2021/011: Regarding the compliance of timber bevel back weatherboards, coated with dark grey paint, installed on a house

This determination considers whether timber bevel backed weatherboards, painted in a dark colour, complied with Building Code Clause B2 Durability, as it relates to Clause E2 External moisture. The determination considers the degree of exposure to sunlight, acecss for maintenance and inspection of the cladding, the design, and the specification of the materials used, as well as a number of other factors that contribute to a Building Code compliance assessment of this nature.

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2021/010: Regarding the refusal of a building consent for alterations to an existing students' hall of residence

This determinaton considers whether the authority was correct to refuse a building consent for alterations to an existing school building. It considers the reasons for refusing to grant a building consent under section 50 of the Building Act, and what is as nearly as is reasonably practicable under section 112 of the Building Act, specifically in relation to installing a fire sprinkler system.

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2021/009: Regarding the compliance of a new section of pool barrier

Note (added 11/08/2022): Please note that this determination incorrectly refers to section 450A of the Building Act 2004 as a compliance pathway for the pool barrier in this determination. The acceptable solution provided for in section 450A was revoked by way of Gazette notice on 27 April 2017. As the determination does not conclude that the pool barrier was compliant via the acceptable solution in section 450A, the outcome of the determination is not affected.

This determination considers the compliance of a pool barrier with section 162C of the Building Act 2004 and clause F9 of the Building Code (Means of restricting access to residential pools). The determination concerns a section of a boundary fence where it adjoins other fences. Together these fences form part of a pool barrier. The determination assesses whether an aspect of building work complies with the Building Code by way of Acceptable Solution F9/AS1 or by another means, widely referred to as an 'alternative solution'.

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2021/008: Regarding the authority's decision to issue a code compliance certificate for a new dwelling

This determination considers whether an authority was correct to issue a code compliance certificate for a new dwelling. The determination considers whether the building is compliant, and whether the authority would have been aware of any non-compliance when issuing the code compliance certificate.

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2021/007: Regarding the code compliance of a frameless glass balustrade on a house

This determination considers the code compliance of a frameless cantilevered glass balustrade. The balustrade panels comprise a laminate of two toughened-glass panes with a plastic interlayer. Concerns about compliance of the balustrade were raised when the interlayer did not prevent a panel from collapsing when the glass was broken.

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2021/006: Compliance with Building Code Clause G13 Foul water of an effluent field that is part of a domestic foul water treatment system

This determination considers the compliance with Building Code Clause G13 Foul water of an effluent field that is part of a domestic foul water treatment system. The determination discusses the slope, stability and size of the disposal field.

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2021/005: Regarding the refusal to issue a building consent for building work associated with a relocated cabin

This determination concerns a refusal to issue a building consent for the construction of foundations for a relocated cabin and associated fixings and connections. The determination considers the reasons given for the refusal, which relate to establishing the Building Code compliance of the cabin itself. The determination also provides comment on the provisions relating to certificates of acceptance.

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2021/004: Regarding the proposed decision to grant a building consent conditional on a natural hazard being recorded on the property title

This determination discusses the correct interpretation of the natural hazards provisions in the Building Act (sections 71 to 74). It considers whether measures to mitigate a rockfall natural hazard constitute “adequate provision” to protect the land and buildings from the hazard.

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2021/003: The refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for 20-year-old additions and alterations to a 50-year-old house

This determination considers an authority’s refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for 20-year-old additions and alterations due to concerns about compliance with the Building Code. The determination considers the authority’s reasons for refusal and whether those items identified by the authority are compliant with the Building Code.

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2021/002: Regarding the proposed refusal of an amendment to a building consent relating to an intermediate floor in a new building

This determination considers whether a building consent authority was correct to propose to refuse an amendment to a building consent. This was due to a dispute with the owner over the maximum allowable area of an intermediate floor used for the storage of materials associated with a manufacturing, servicing and repair business. The determination considers the change in the intended use of the building during the course of the building work from a “warehouse” to a “workshop”, the means of compliance, and the area of the intermediate floor.

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This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: