The Christchurch City Council issues building and resource consents, project information memoranda (PIM) and land information memoranda (LIM), and has specific guidelines for earthworks, swimming pools, fencing and other work.
You can access application forms and information from this website here or pick up copies at our Service Centres. Building and resource consent applications can be complex, and we recommend that you engage a professional to help with design work, drawings and specifications. See also the Department of Building and Housing’s useful publication: A beginner’s Guide to Resource and Building Consent processes
See also the Department of Building and Housing’s useful publication: A beginner’s Guide to Resource and Building Consent processes.
Pre-application meetings
The best way to speed up the processing of your application is to provide everything that is needed first time. Before you apply, we recommend you attend a pre-application meeting to sort out exactly what documentation is needed. There is a charge for this, but it will very likely save you both time and money overall.
Electronic applications preferred
Should you choose to submit your application in hardcopy, please note that there is a charge for scanning your documents. Please refer to the Schedule of Fees.
You can avoid fees by scanning the documents yourself and submitting them electronically. About 90% of all consent applications lodged with the Council are already submitted electronically. Click here to find out how to submit electronically.
If you do not already use the electronic lodgement facility and would like to, please email us at buildingconsentapplications@ccc.govt.nz or at resourceconsentapplication@ccc.govt.nz to arrange access.
Earthquake rebuild customers
Due to the earthquakes in Christchurch, and the resulting residential and commercial rebuild, many more building consents than normal will be needed. The Council is working hard to streamline the way it processes building consents, and there is now a specific process for those licensed building practitioners involved in earthquake rebuild work. For more information, please email PMOinbox@ccc.govt.nz.
Building Act changes
Click here to find out about important new Building Act changes: after 1 March 2012, building work affecting structure or weathertightness of a residential building is now ‘restricted’ and can only be done and/or supervised by licensed building practitioners (LBPs).
