Work that is exempted as of 23 December 2010
From 23 December 2010, Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 will allow a broader range of building work to be done without a building consent.
By law all exempt work must still meet the requirements of the Building Code and other relevant legislation, such as the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act 2006, the Electricity Act 1992 and the Resource Management Act 1991.
To find out what is now exempted from needing a consent, see http://www.dbh.govt.nz/buildingactreview-exemptions
Please also refer to the City Plan, the framework for the management of land use and subdivision within the City, on www.ccc.govt.nz/cityplan
If you have a historic building, please contact the Council before doing any building work.
Remember to check if your property is in a flood risk area on Council flood maps. You can do this by applying for a PIM which lists issues relevant to your property (e.g. variation 48 & the Building Act 150 year flood level).
Work that is exempt for all of New Zealand
The Building Act 2004, Schedule 1, exempts certain works from building consent. These apply throughout New Zealand. They are best described in the Department of Building & Housing's publication Building work that does not require a consent.
Work that is exempt for Canterbury only
As a result of the September 2010 Canterbury Earthquake, Schedule 1 was amended as it applies to Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council and Waimakariri District Council. Details can be found in the Canterbury Earthquake (Building Act) Order 2010 (SR 2010/315) (enacted on 16 September 2010).
A summary of most of the above exemptions is available here.
Work that is exempt for Christchurch City Council only
Christchurch City Council is exempting a range of other work from Building Consent which apply to the Christchurch area only. For more information refer to our information sheet on building work that does not require a building consent.
Application for exemption on a case by case basis
An application for an exemption may be made to the Council on a case by case basis. The Council needs to be satisfied that:
- The building work will be carried out in accordance with the Building Code, or
- If carried out, other than in accordance with the Building Code, is unlikely to endanger people or any building, whether on the same land or any other property.
Application forms
To apply for an exemption, complete the application form B-004 below including details of why the exemption should be approved.
Complete and print your form:
The following checksheet can also be used for minor commercial work to support your application:
Fees
IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL building work (whether subject to consent or not) is required to comply with the Building Act, Building Code and all other laws, including:
- Resource Management Act 1991 – You should consult with Council Planners especially where you have a Heritage or Character building, or there may be an effect on neighbours.
- Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Act 2006.
- Electricity Act 1992.
- Fire Service Act 1975.
- Hazardous Substances & New Organisms Act 1996.
The responsibility for complying with all requirements remains with the owner and those people carrying out the work. If in doubt engage the services of a competent building professional or practitioner to step you through the regulatory system.
You may also provide information to the Council with regard to work that you have carried out, which will be placed on the file for your property. This will be recorded on any future Land Information Memorandum as being work carried out under exemption that has not been checked by the Council. This may prove beneficial when you come to sell your home or building in future.
SAFEGUARD YOURSELF, YOUR HOME AND YOUR FUTURE
If you are doing repairs or alterations without a building consent we advise you seek professional advice and keep records of the work done and who carried out the work. This will assist when you come to sell your home in the future, as purchasers are likely to have questions about the work and if it was done properly.
- Get expert advice.
- Use a skilled and professional building practitioner.
- Get several quotes for the work and ask for references.
- Keep records of the work done (e.g. photos) and who did it.
- Consult with your insurer and EQC where necessary.
For further advice, contact a Building Consent Officer:
Phone: (03) 941 8999
Email: info@ccc.govt.nz
