How to Get a Building Consent in New Zealand: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Building consent is one of the most misunderstood parts of doing work on a home in New Zealand. Many homeowners either assume they need one when they do not, or proceed without one when they should have applied. Getting it wrong in either direction has real consequences. This step-by-step guide explains exactly what building consent is, when you need it, how to apply, and what to expect at the end of the process.

What Is a Building Consent?

A building consent is written permission from your local council (called a territorial authority in NZ) to carry out specific building work. It confirms that the work you are planning to do has been assessed against the New Zealand Building Code and is approved to proceed.

The consent process exists to protect homeowners, future occupants, and the public by ensuring buildings are safe, durable, and fit for purpose. It also creates a formal record of the work that is important for insurance, future sales, and liability.

When Do You Need a Building Consent?

Under the Building Act 2004, most building work requires a consent unless it is specifically exempt. Common work that requires consent includes:

-     Any new home construction

-     Extensions and additions that create new habitable space

-     Structural alterations including removing or modifying load-bearing walls

-     New bathrooms or kitchens where plumbing or drainage is changed

-     Decks more than 1.5 metres above ground level

-     Retaining walls more than 1.5 metres in height

-     Re-roofing where the roof structure is changed

-     New garages or outbuildings over certain sizes

-     Any work on earthquake-prone buildings

Work that is commonly exempt from consent

-     Like-for-like maintenance and repair (replacing a window with the same size and type)

-     Internal painting and decorating

-     Low decks (under 1.5 metres above ground)

-     Small garden sheds under 10 square metres in certain conditions

-     Some single-storey detached buildings under specific dimensions

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Building Consent in NZ

Step 1: Define the scope of your project

Before approaching anyone, be clear on exactly what you are planning to do. The more detail you can provide, the smoother the consent process will be. Your scope should include what work is planned, where on the property, what materials will be used, and what the finished result will look like.

Step 2: Engage a designer or architect if needed

For anything beyond simple work, you will need consented plans drawn up by a qualified designer or architect. For restricted building work, these plans must be prepared or reviewed by someone with appropriate design licensing. Your designer will also advise on whether your project is likely to need resource consent in addition to building consent.

Step 3: Check if you need resource consent as well

Before lodging your building consent application, check your local council's district plan to confirm whether the work also requires resource consent. This is particularly relevant for larger extensions, buildings in character areas or heritage precincts, and any work near waterways or coastal areas.

Step 4: Prepare your application documents

A complete building consent application typically includes:

-     Completed application form (available from your council)

-     Detailed building plans drawn to scale, showing floor plan, elevations, and sections

-     Specifications for materials and construction methods

-     Producer statements from licensed designers or engineers where required

-     Site plan showing the building in relation to property boundaries

-     Payment of the consent fee

An incomplete application will be returned or placed on hold, which extends your timeline significantly. Take care to include everything the council requires upfront.

Step 5: Lodge your application

Applications are submitted to your local territorial authority. Most councils now accept online applications through their building consent portals. Some councils also accept in-person applications. Your designer or architect will typically lodge the application on your behalf.

Step 6: Council processing

Under the Building Act, councils are required to process a complete application within 20 working days. This clock starts only once the council has confirmed your application is complete -- if they request additional information (a Request for Information or RFI), the clock pauses until you respond.

Step 7: Receive and review your consent

Once approved, you will receive your building consent along with a list of inspections required at different stages of the work. Read this carefully. Missing a required inspection can result in problems getting your Code Compliance Certificate at the end.

Step 8: Book inspections during construction

Your council will specify which stages of construction must be inspected by a council building inspector. Common inspection points include:

-     Pre-pour (before concrete is poured for foundations)

-     Framing (before framing is lined or covered)

-     Waterproofing (wet area waterproofing before tiling)

-     Pre-line (electrical and plumbing rough-in before lining)

-     Final inspection (all work complete)

Book each inspection in advance -- councils typically need 2 to 5 working days notice and some are busier than others. Do not cover any consented work before it has been inspected.

Step 9: Apply for a Code Compliance Certificate

Once all work is complete and all inspections have been passed, you apply to your council for a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC). This confirms that the work has been completed in accordance with the building consent and meets the NZ Building Code.

A CCC is essential. Without one, the work is technically uncompleted from a legal and insurance standpoint, and it will create complications when you come to sell the property.

How Much Does Building Consent Cost?

Fees vary significantly between councils. Auckland Council fees are generally at the higher end. Always request an estimate from your council before finalising your project budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I do building work without consent in NZ?

Carrying out work that required consent without getting one is a breach of the Building Act 2004. Councils can issue a notice to fix requiring the work to be brought into compliance or demolished. Unconsented work can also prevent you from getting a CCC, cause insurance issues, and create significant complications when you sell the property.

Can my builder apply for the building consent on my behalf?

Yes. Your builder, architect, or designer can apply for building consent as your agent. Make sure this is clearly agreed in writing as part of your contract, including who is responsible for ensuring inspections are booked and the CCC is applied for.

How long is a building consent valid for?

A building consent is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. If your project has not started within 12 months, the council may cancel the consent. If you need more time, you can apply for an extension.

What is a producer statement?

A producer statement is a document signed by a licensed professional (such as an engineer or architect) confirming that specific elements of the design or work comply with the Building Code. Councils often require them for structural, geotechnical, or specialised technical elements of a project.

Find Professionals Who Know the Consent Process

Find A Professional NZ connects you with builders, architects, designers, and engineers across New Zealand who regularly work through the building consent process. Find someone experienced in your area and get your project started on the right footing.