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What consents do I need to proceed with earthwork on my hillside dwelling site prior to formal approval of my building consent?
Under the Christchurch City Plan excavation or filling on a site is restricted to a maximum depth of 0.5 metres, and a maximum volume of 10 cubic metres per site unless a resource consent or building consent is first granted for the work.
All retaining walls that hold a surcharge (ie driveway, house foundations etc) require a building consent.
If a retaining wall does not hold a surcharge (other than earth), then it may be built to a maximum height of 1.5 metres without building consent.
Please note, however, that under the Christchurch City Plan retaining walls which are both greater than 1.8 in height and 6m2 in area (birds eye view) will be deemed to be a 'building' for resource consent purposes and will be required to comply with the relevant boundary setback and recession plane rules in the Plan. Resource consent will be required if these rules are not complied with.
It is strongly advised that any earthworks are carried out as a part of the building consent for the dwelling. Levels, control of stormwater, planning and sediment and other assessments should be carried out at the same time to ensure that the overall development is successful and compliant.
Refer to Information Sheet B332 (see below) regarding the need to provide a Sediment Control Plan when excavation and/or filling is proposed.
PLEASE NOTE: All building work (which includes all retaining walls) must comply with the New Zealand Building Code whether or not a building consent is required. It is also important to note that the Council's Land Information Register (ie hazards) may contain details of ground conditions that may effect the design of the retaining wall.
To discuss your project, please contact a planner or building consent officer first.
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earthworks on hill sites, earthwork approvals, consents for earthworks, eathwork permits, excavate
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