Processing building consents

Process at a glance

Step 1: Plans and ideas prepared

Step 2: Project Information Memorandum (PIM) applied for and issued

Go here for more information about PIM's.

Step 3: Detailed plans and specifications prepared

Step 4: Building consent applied for

link to consents forms A - Z

Step 5: Plans and specifications checked for compliance. Council may request further information during this step

Step 6: Building Consent issued

Step 7: Building work begins

Step 8: Inspection during building process

link to Building consent inspections page

Step 9: Apply for Code Compliance Certificate

link to Building consent inspections/certificate page

Outcome:

918861

Process in detail

The Council has 20 working days from the date the application is formally received for processing, to decide whether to issue, or refuse to issue, the building consent. (Note: when “formally received”, the processing clock starts).

Once the application has been vetted for completeness, an Applications Officer will review your application and assess it for compliance. If there are any questions or concerns, you will receive a letter (by post, email, or fax) requesting further information or clarification. The 20-day clock is suspended until this information is provided.

Note: your application will be checked by a number of areas in the Council depending on the nature of the work. The various areas that can be involved include:

  • Building
  • Plumbing and drainage
  • Hazardous materials, Health
  • Engineering services
  • Geotechnical and external specialists, such as Fire Engineers, Acoustic and mechanical services engineers
  • Compliance with the Nelson Resource Management Plan (NRMP)

When your application is formally accepted for processing, you will be told which of these areas of Council will be checking your applications. They may contact you individually with “further information requests”, but you are asked to wait until all areas have contacted you, before replying to Council.

Once all staff involved in the process are satisfied with compliance, a final check is made to ensure that all work has been assessed correctly. If so, the building consent is approved (granted), and an invoice is generated for the fees payable (inspections, code compliance certificate, etc).

Granting and issuing the consent

Once the consent is granted, you will receive a letter advising you that the application is ready to collect. The fee shown on the invoice needs to be paid, before you can uplift the consent.

Once the fee is paid and the consent uplifted, it is considered issued.

The building consent documents are stamped “site copy”, dated, and stamped with the BCA approval. These documents must be kept on-site at all times during construction.

Cost

The total cost depends on the type of application, cost of work involved, and the level of detail provided. The quality of information provided at the time of application will also affect the overall fees.

Fee components
  • Levies payable to BRANZ (payable on all applications of $20,000 building value and over) calculated at $1 per $1,000
  • Levies payable to Department of Building & Housing, calculated at $1.97 per $1,000 of the project value for buildings of value over $20,000
  • Administration fees
  • Processing fee (time based)
  • Inspections fee (type and number vary depending on the nature of the building project)
  • Code Compliance Certificate fees (if applicable)
  • Compliance schedule fees (if applicable)
  • Development or Financial Contribution fees (whichever is applicable)
  • Insurance costs

Some consents have set fees, such as applications for woodburner installations, demolition, and marquees.

While our staff can provide an estimate of the fees involved, the final cost will not be known until the processing is completed.