A Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) is a declaration by the building owner stating that the specified systems have been maintained in accordance with the Compliance Schedule. A copy of the Building Warrant of Fitness must be provided annually to the Council and publicly displayed at the building it pertains to.
When you need a BWOF
You are required to have a BWOF if your building contains any of the following specified systems:
automatic systems for fire suppression (for example sprinkler system)
automatic or manual emergency warning systems for fire or other dangers (other than a warning system for fire that is entirely within a household unit and serves only that unit)
electromagnetic or automatic doors or windows (for example ones that close on fire alarm activation)
emergency lighting systems
escape routes pressurisation systems
riser main for fire service use
any automatic back flow preventers connected to a potable water supply
lifts, escalators, travelators or other systems for moving people or goods within buildings
mechanical ventilation or air conditioning systems
building maintenance units providing access to exterior and interior walls of buildings
laboratory fume cupboards
audio loops or other assistive listening systems
smoke control systems
means of escape from fire
emergency power systems for, or signs relating to, a system or feature specified in any of clauses above
Cable Car (including to a private dwelling).
NB: for new buildings or cable cars, the Compliance Schedule process is automatically initiated and a Code Compliance Certificate will be issued along with a Compliance Schedule statement (the Compliance Schedule statement is valid for one year from the issue of the Compliance Schedule).
Process and forms
Prior to the expiry date of a Building Warrant of Fitness, a reminder letter will be sent to the owner. Christchurch City Council no longer supplies templates, however, a blank Building Warrant of Fitness form (Form 12) can be downloaded from the following link and completed by the owner or agent.
Building Warrant of Fitness (Form 12) [DOC 54KB]
Certificate of Compliance with inspection, maintenance and reporting procedures (Form 12A, B-032) [DOC 39.5KB]
Some of the information the owner will need to complete the form is included in the reminder letter and other information may be found on the buildings' Compliance Schedule. It is necessary to have all certificates (Form 12A) for the Building Warrant of Fitness supplied by an independent qualified person (IQP) and attach them with the Building Warrant of Fitness form.
Once satisfied that all specified systems have been maintained, two copies of the Building Warrant of Fitness form (Form 12) are to be signed by the building owner or agent (one is sent to the Council and the other is displayed in the building). All Form 12A's are to be attached to the BWOF form being sent to the Council and must be signed by the IQP.
Amending a Compliance Schedule
Application for Amendment to Compliance Schedule (Form B-031) [PDF 196KB]
Application for Amendment to Compliance Schedule (Form B-031) [DOC 261KB]
Independent qualified persons (IQP)
The role of the IQP is to inspect, report and maintain the Specified Systems as detailed on the Compliance Schedule. To view information on independent qualified persons (IQP) registered in the South Island, refer to the Timaru District Council website.
Cost of a BWOF
The Christchurch City Council charges a flat rate on the building consent fee if the consent generates a new Compliance Schedule or amends an existing Compliance Schedule.
On the BWOF being received by the Council, an annual charge is payable. Other associated costs would relate to the Independently Qualified Person (IQP) and the fee for their service.
Fees
Refer to the Building consent schedule of fees [PDF 144KB]
