Building & Planning

INDEX

Building Consents	Building Information
Building Inspection	Decking
Driveways/Traffic/Parking	Fencing
Fires	Garages/Sleepouts
LIM Land Info. Memorandum	Miscellaneous
Planning Information	Plumbing
PIM Project Info. Memorandum	Resource Consents
Subdivision	Swimming Pools
Water/Drainage	Zones & City Plan
Heritage


Building Consents
• What is a Building Consent?
• When do I need a Building Consent?
• Can I apply for an Exemption from Building Consent?
• Can I Arrange to meet a Building Consent Officer?
• Can I build a small accessory building (eg shed, pergola, gazebo, glasshouse) without a building consent?
• Can I pay for my consent with a credit card?
• Can you tell me which Building Consent Officer is processing my consent?
• Do I need a Building Consent if I want to plaster over the brick veneer of my house?
• Do I need a building consent or a licence to erect a bouncy castle?
• Do I need a building consent to do electrical work in my house?
• Do I need a building consent to repile my house?
• Do I need a building consent to replace a boiler?
• Do I need a Licensed Building Practitioner?
• How can I get a list of all the building consents issued in the last month and how much does it cost?
• How do I make application for a Certificate of Acceptance?
• How much is it going to cost to get a building consent (building permit)?
• Is a building consent required for erecting a marquee?
• Is Building Consent Information Private?
• Is my consent ready to be picked up?
• What are the building requirements for double glazing?
• What are the recent changes to applying for a Building Consent & PIM
• What can I do if the previous owner applied for a Building Consent, before they sold the house?
• What do I do if I want to Cancel my Building Consent?
• What if I want to change the design after the Building Consent is (a) applied for, or (b) issued?
• What is a Building Line Restriction?
• What is a Certificate of Acceptance?
• What is a Producer Statement?
• What is the Development Contributions Policy and why has it changed?
• What is the progress of my Building Consent Application?
• When do I require an extension of time for my building consent.
• Where can I submit and pay for a consent application?
• Where do I direct my complaint about Building or Planning?
• Why has my building consent been suspended.

Building Information
• A property has a building on it that looks dangerous. Can anything be done about it?
• Am I able to view a property file i.e. property/building details/history?
• Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) and Compliance Schedules - Do I need one, what are they and what is the cost?
• Can a Building Consent be issued prior to a Resource Consent?
• Can I access/change my details for Heads Up ?
• Can I build over the easement on my property?
• Can I move into my new home before the Code Compliance Certificate has been issued?
• Can I obtain a Copy of the Monthly Building and Planning Newsletter?
• Can I place a shipping container on my property?
• Can I split my large house up into separate units?
• Can we build a child's fort/playhouse/play equipment/tree hut?
• Can you please tell be about Building Warrant Fitness Renewals?
• Can you tell me what a floor area of a house is?
• Do I require a building consent if I am carrying out recladding on my house/building?
• Does the Council have a history of Permitted/Consented Work for my property?
• Does the Council help people insulate or warm their homes?
• How can I find out where the drains / pipes are on public land?
• How can the protection be removed from a notable or heritage tree?
• How do I Change the Tenure of my Property from being Cross Lease Titles to Fee Simple (Freehold) Titles?
• How do I get a copy of the Construction Standard Specification folder/ manual?
• How do I know if my house is considered to be a character house?
• How do I obtain an Aerial Photograph?
• How do I obtain New Zealand Building Code Approved Documents?
• How long after starting my building project do I have to complete the work?
• How long before my Building Consent, Resource Consent or Project Information Memorandum (PIM) expires?
• I am thinking of closing in one end of my verandah, do I need a Building Consent?
• I Received a Statement for Building Warrant of Fitness. Has this Account been Paid?
• My building consent says I have to install smoke detectors. What specifically do I require and where can I get them?
• Our house is very damp inside, what could be causing this? Could it be water seepage from outside?
• What are the measurements of an accessible/disabled toilet cubicle?
• What are the minimum ground levels/finished floor levels when building a dwelling/garage?
• What are the recent changes to applying for a Building Consent & PIM
• What conditions need to be met to qualify for a Character Housing Maintenance Grant?
• What consents do I need to proceed with earthwork on my hillside dwelling site prior to formal approval of my building consent?
• What information is available regarding Earthquake Prone Buildings for owners?
• What is a borehole or borelog (soil investigation) ?
• What is a Building Line Restriction?
• What is a Certificate for Public Use?
• What is a Sea Spray Zone?
• What is an IQP?
• What is the Character Housing Maintenance Grant Fund?
• What is the definition of a building, ie, at what size does a proposed building require a Building Consent?
• What is the Foundation Depth required for a building?
• What is the regulation height and allowable space on balcony railings?
• What is the requirement for 'Fire Escapes' in a multi-level building?
• What treatment rating do timber piles have to be?
• When can I apply for a Character Housing Maintenance grant?
• Where can I get a copy of the Code Compliance Certificate, PIM, Building Consent or Resource Consent, issued on my property?
• Where do I go to search for a title on a house/property?
• Where does private and public responsibility for water supply reticulation start and finish?

Building Inspection
• How do I obtain a refund of inspection fees for inspections not undertaken?
• How do I obtain an extension of time to start/complete my building project?
• How do I report missing/damaged water meter lids or toby boxes?
• How do I request for a water cart to be put on site?
• I want to book a building inspection, what do I need to do?
• I wish to discuss a problem arising from a consent inspection, what do I do?
• What do I need to do to obtain my Code Compliance Certificate?
• What outstanding items are preventing the issue of my code of compliance certificate?
• What shall I do if there is a flashing light on the pumping station?
• When do I need to get a building inspector out?
• Where can I get a copy of the M6 Drainage report for my property.
• Where do I direct my complaint about Building or Planning?
• Who is going to carry out my inspection today?
• Why have I been charged for extra inspections?

Decking
• Do I need a building consent to build a deck on my property?
• How far from my boundary can I build a deck?

Driveways/Traffic/Parking
• Are my neighbours permitted to use an on-site caravan for accommodation?
• Can I have a separate crossing/access or do I have to share?
• Can I have my vehicle crossing widened or relocated?
• How do I request a bollard/tree/blockage to be installed for safety?
• How wide does a shared access need to be if I subdivide my site?
• I live in a private right-of-way/lane. Who is responsible for the maintenance and lighting?
• My vehicle crossing/bridge block/plate is broken/cracked causing my car to scrape when I drive over, what can be done about this?
• What are the regulations on the width of car parking spaces?
• What is the minimum width for a vehicle crossing (driveway) access?

Fencing
• Can I fence the waterway on my property boundary to prevent children from endangering themselves?
• How do I arrange an inspection to check a pool fence is legal?
• How high can I build a boundary fence?
• I live on a park boundary, can I replace my fence and will the Council share costs?
• My neighbour has put a gate over our shared pathway - what are my rights?
• My neighbours are making alterations to their fence that I don't approve of, what can I do?

Fires
• Do I need a building consent to install a heating systems eg, wood / pellet / diesel burners, gas fires, electric heat pumps etc?
• How do I know if my existing fire is Clean Air approved?
• I am installing a fire/logburner (solid/liquid fuel heater) and want to know how high the chimney/flue has to be?
• What is required when building a fire-rated wall in a garage and what materials does it have to be constructed of?
• Who can I contact if my neighbour has a rubbish fire ?

Garages/Sleepouts
• Do I need to fire rate my garage if I subdivide?
• How far from a boundary can I build a garage or carport?
• What are the requirements to convert a garage or building to a habitable space (sleepout)?
• What is required when building a fire-rated wall in a garage and what materials does it have to be constructed of?

LIM Land Info. Memorandum
• Am I able to clarify information obtained in a LIM?
• Can you tell me if my property is situated on a former landfill?
• How do I apply for/ cancel a LIM?
• How long does it take the Council to produce a LIM (Land Information Memorandum) document?
• How much does a LIM cost?
• What is a LIM ?
• When I purchased my property, would the LIM have stated if the property was on a former landfill?
• When will my LIM (Land Information Memorandum) be ready?
• Where can I find out more about liquefaction and liquefaction maps?
• Who can give me more detailed advice on the possible health risks associated with former landfill sites ?
• Will you look up your property records and tell me what it says about my property with regard to former landfill sites?
• Will you tell property owners if you find their property is situated on a former landfill?

Miscellaneous
• Can I access/change my details for Heads Up ?
• Can I apply for more than one consent at the same time i.e resource/subdivision/building?
• Can I start building before Resource or Subdivision Consent is issued?
• Can you provide me with information on Benchmarks?
• Do you have any general information on Building & Planning?
• Does the Council help people insulate or warm their homes?
• How do I find out who supplies power to my property?
• I live on a park boundary, can I replace my fence and will the Council share costs?
• Leaking Buildings - I want to know more about the reports on potentially unsafe balconies and/or leaking buildings?
• What are the recent changes to applying for a Building Consent & PIM
• What can I do about bright lights shining into my property?
• What can I do if neighbour's tree/s is shading my property, blocking my view and dropping leaves on my property?
• What is an ICP?
• What is defined as a brothel?
• What is Offensive Trade Waste?
• What is the Christchurch City Brothels (Location and Signage) Bylaw?
• What signage can brothels have?
• Where can brothels be located?
• Where can I Find Out About a Body Corporate?
• Where can I find out more about liquefaction and liquefaction maps?
• Where can I submit and pay for a consent application?
• Where do I find out about wind velocity/snow ratings or wind/snow zones for my building consent application?
• Why is someone taking aerial photos of my property?

Planning Information
• Can a Building Consent be issued prior to a Resource Consent?
• Can I split my large house up into separate units?
• Can I use my home as a business to accommodate short stay guests?
• Can we build a child's fort/playhouse/play equipment/tree hut?
• Can you please tell me about the draft Bridle Path Road Area Plan
• How big can elderly persons housing units be?
• How can I find out if tree is protected?
• How can I get conservation land on private property?
• How do I apply for a Family Flat encumbrance ( bond ) and what is the fee?
• How do I apply for an elderly persons housing encumbrance (bond) and what is the fee?
• How do I Change the Tenure of my Property from being Cross Lease Titles to Fee Simple (Freehold) Titles?
• How do I make a submission on a limited notified or publicly notified resource consent application?
• How far from a boundary can I build a house?
• How high can buildings be in the living zones?
• Is there a limit on how close to a boundary trees can be planted?
• What are the regulations and requirements for putting a granny flat/family flat on our property?
• What are the rules for Barbed Wire or Razor Wire Fences?
• What can I do if earthworks nearby is causing damage to my house or land?
• What do I need to know about having guests in my home as a business?
• What is a Building Line Restriction?
• What is a plot ratio?
• What is an Elderly Persons Housing Unit (EPH) and what do the rules of the Plan allow for?
• What is an encumbrance ( bond ) for a Family Flat and how does it work?
• What is an Encumbrance ( bond ) for Elderly Persons Housing and how does it work?
• What is the continuous length rule?
• What permissions/permits do I need to erect a sign?
• Where can I submit and pay for a consent application?
• Who could I contact to dispute something in the City /District Plan?

Plumbing
• What temperature should my hot water be set to?

PIM Project Info. Memorandum
• How do I apply for a Building Consent (permit) or PIM (Project Information Memorandum)?
• How long does it take to get a building consent (permit) / PIM?
• What are the advantages of applying for a PIM ahead of a building consent for my dwelling?
• What is a PIM?
• Where can I submit and pay for a consent application?

Resource Consents
• What is a Resource Consent and why do I need one?
• How do I get a resource consent?
• How do I get neighbours consent?
• How do I make a submission on a limited notified or publicly notified resource consent application?
• How far away from a waterway can I fill, excavate or build?
• How long before my Building Consent, Resource Consent or Project Information Memorandum (PIM) expires?
• How long does a resource consent take?
• How much is a resource consent?
• My neighbour's resource consent condition for landscaping/planting has not been carried out - what can I do?
• My neighbours want me to sign a neighbours consent form, what are my rights?
• What are the requirements for putting up a shade sail?
• What can I do when my neighbour won't sign the neighbours consent form?
• What consents do I need to relocate a building?
• What is a Building Line Restriction?
• What is a neighbours consent?
• What is a notified resource consent?
• What is the progress of my Resource Consent application?
• Where can I submit and pay for a consent application?

Subdivision
• How long will it take to subdivide my property?
• What is the cost of subdividing?
• Can I lodge a subdivision application myself?
• Can I subdivide my land, and what is the Process?
• Can I subdivide my rural property?
• Can the area of the accessway be included as part of the minimum site area?
• Can you please tell me of progress on my subdivision consent application?
• Can you recommend a surveyor?
• How do I Change the Tenure of my Property from being Cross Lease Titles to Fee Simple (Freehold) Titles?
• How do I locate my boundary pegs?
• How is Reserve Contribution calculated?
• I have a Cross Lease property/Unit Title property and want to add a conservatory - do I need to get my neighbours consent?
• I want to speak to someone about carrying out a boundary adjustment, to swap part of my land with part of my neighbour's land
• The Council has a caveat registered over this property, what is it there for?
• What is a Flat Plan?
• What is a Building Line Restriction?
• What is a Caveat?
• What is an easement?
• What is Reserve Contribution?
• What is the difference between Cross Lease and Fee Simple?
• What is the process for naming a private right of way ?
• What is the Smallest size a section can be for subdivision?
• When can I advertise my section for sale?
• Where can I submit and pay for a consent application?
• Who deals with street numbering?
• Who do I complain to about dust from new subdivisions/developments?
• Who do I contact to find out how streets and/or suburbs got their names?
• Who do I talk to if I want to change my street address?
• Who does soil impact tests?

Swimming Pools
• When do I need a Building Consent?
• Are there regulations/guidelines regulating swimming pool water quality?
• Can I build a small accessory building (eg shed, pergola, gazebo, glasshouse) without a building consent?
• Does my swimming pool and spa have to be fenced?
• How do I arrange an inspection to check a pool fence is legal?
• I have a pond on my property, am I required to fence it.
• Where do I drain the water from my swimming/spa pool to - the sewer or stormwater and why?

Water/Drainage
• Can I build a structure in my waterway?
• Can I fence the waterway on my property boundary to prevent children from endangering themselves?
• Can I join onto the public stormwater pipeline within the easement?
• Does a pipeline crossing a private property require an easement?
• Does my property have adequate drainage if stormwater is not indicated on my drainage plan or within my property file?
• I wish to connect to a sewer main, what do I have to do?
• There is an open channel through my property, can I cover or pipe it and who will meet the cost?
• What temperature should my hot water be set to?
• Where can I get information and advice about the consents I need for activities in or adjacent to waterways?
• Where do I drain the water from my swimming/spa pool to - the sewer or stormwater and why?
• Where does private and public responsibility for water supply reticulation start and finish?

Zones & City Plan
• Can I build a house on my rural property?
• Can I build over the easement on my property?
• Can I live in a business zone?
• Do I have to comply with the rules in the Proposed City Plan, even though it is only a Proposed plan?
• How can I find out if tree is protected?
• How do I appeal against the Council decision on the Christchurch City Plan?
• How long do I have to appeal against the Council decision on a Christchurch City Plan Variation?
• I live on a park boundary, can I replace my fence and will the Council share costs?
• Is there a limit on how close to a boundary trees can be planted?
• Under the Christchurch City Plan what is a 'living zone'? What is a 'residential zone'? What are the differences between zones?
• What are my rights as a resident to stop people accessing the waterway on my property?
• What do I do if I want to build closer than the city/district plan rules allows?
• What information is contained in the City Plan about waterways?
• What is a Coastal Region and how does it affect my property?
• What is a community footprint?
• What is a Plan Change?
• What is a special amenity area (SAM)?
• What is a Variation?
• What is the City/District Plan?
• What is the difference between business zones/where can I locate my business?
• What Planning rules do I need to comply with when building or altering a building?
• What planning zone is this property?
• What Proposed Variations to the Christchurch Proposed City Plan have been Notified so far?
• What sort of rules apply in Special Amenity Area's (SAM) in the Christchurch City Plan?
• When was the Christchurch Proposed City Plan publicly notified?
• When were the decisions on submissions for the Proposed Christchurch City Plan released?
• Where can I see a copy of the Christchurch City Plan?
• Where can I view a copy of old district schemes?
• Where can I view or purchase the Christchurch City Plan?
• Where does private and public responsibility for water supply reticulation start and finish?
• Who can make submissions on Variations to the Christchurch City Plan?
• Who is responsible for waterway bank erosion adversely affecting private/council propery?

Heritage
• Are Heritage buildings in the former Banks Peninsula District considered for Heritage funding?
• How do I apply for a Heritage Grant & what is needed for a Grant Application?
• How do I apply for/lodge a Resource Consent for my Heritage development?
• How do I research an old building and who can help?
• What are the Heritage Values and Heritage Groups?
• What are the heritage values that are used to assess potential heritage items?
• What does Conservation mean with regard to heritage; why is heritage managed and what guides heritage management?
• What effect would it have if I wanted to build near a covenanted property? Is there any distance (or other) constraint?
• What information is required for a Resource Consent for my heritage building?
• What is a Conservation Covenant and when is it required?
• What is a Conservation Plan, its purpose, when is it required, what is involved?
• What is a Heritage Order?
• What is a Temporary Protection Plan and when is it required?
• What is an Assessment of Effects, when do I need one, what is involved, and how do I minimise negative effects of proposed works on my heritage item?
• What is involved in a successful Heritage development?
• What is meant by Heritage Fabric, Alterations, Maintenance on my heritage property?
• What is the Christchurch City Council Heritage Incentive Grant Fund, what can the fund be used for and what information is needed to complete a grant application form?
• When do I need a resource consent for any change to a Heritage property?
• When is a Resource Consent needed for a heritage property, how do I go about it?
• Who can apply for a Heritage grant, when should I apply, what information is required, what is eligible for funding assistance?
• Who can assist me with my Resource Consent application for my Heritage Building/property including Covenanted property?
• Why are works to heritage listed buildings or properties assessed in a Resource Consent application, how do assessment rules vary for different heritage groups?
• Why does the Christchurch City Council have Heritage Listings and what does that mean for both the building and the owner?
• Why is heritage specialist consultant advice necessary for a proposed work on my heritage property, who do I consult?