If you’d like help at any stage of the application process, please get in touch. We’ll discuss your project and the building consent requirements, check whether you need resource consent, and guide you through each step of the way.
Before you apply
If you’ve never applied for a building consent before, you may find it a time-consuming and complex process. We recommend that you:
- ask a professional – such as an architect, engineer or builder – to prepare the design, drawings, specifications and documentation for you. This is the approach that most people take
- get in touch with us to arrange a pre-application meeting. We’ll work through your project and what you want to achieve, and provide you with information and advice on how to apply
- read our guide to getting a building consent (PDF 229 kb) – it covers most of the things you need to know
- familiarise yourself with your obligations under the New Zealand Building Code and the Building Act 2004. Your building consent and your building project must comply with their requirements.
- Take a look at these two documents to help you complete your application:
You might also like to talk to our Eco Design Advisor. They offer free, independent advice on how to make your home as warm, dry and healthy as it can be – and some great tips on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
What do you need to provide?
A building consent application is typically made up of:
- application forms
- plans
- specification documents
- supporting documents.
Application forms
The main application forms that you’ll need to provide are:
You might also need to provide:
Plans
The plans you provide could include:
- architectural plans
- structural plans
- mechanical plans
- landscaping plans.
Please make sure that all plans are provided in landscape format and are no larger than A1 in size.
Specification documents
Specification documents include those for:
- mechanical services
- plumbing and drainage.
Supporting documents
These are documents that support your application and are not covered by the other categories. They include:
- Architectural and structural engineering plans and calculations.
- Any special arrangements you’ve made for inspections during construction, such as checking by an engineer:
Lodging your application
In most cases, your architect, designer or builder will act as your agent and lodge the building consent application on your behalf.
If you’re doing it yourself you can lodge your application:
- online
- by delivering it in hard copy to Council's main building, between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday
- by posting it to us at Private Bag 31-912, Lower Hutt 5040.
And remember, we’re here to help. Get in touch and we’ll discuss your project and the building consent requirements, check whether you need resource consent, and guide you through the application process.
Payment for your building consent
Once we have received a complete application, we will send you an initial invoice for the fees for your application. This will include the following:
- Our standard fee for the processing, inspecting and issuing the code compliance certificate for the proposed work. If more time than is stated is taken additional fees will be charged before the building consent or Code Compliance Certificate is released.
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and BRANZ levies.
- Once payment is made we will start processing your application.
Want more information?
Find out:
Apply online
You need to complete four steps to lodge a building consent online:
- Complete and sign the relevant documents.
- Sort the documents into four groups.
- Convert the documents to PDF files, under four headings.
- Lodge the application.
If you’d like help with any of these steps, please get in touch. We’ll discuss your project and the building consent requirements, check whether you need resource consent, and guide you through the application process.
Step 1: Complete and sign the relevant documents
Check that you have:
- completed all the required documents and checklists accurately and in full
- signed and dated the documents where required
- gathered together any other required forms, plans, specifications and supporting documents.
Step 2: Sort the documents into four groups
The four groups are:
- application documents
- plans
- specification documents
- supporting documents.
Application documents
The main application forms that you’ll need to provide are:
You might also need to provide:
Plans
The plans you send could include:
- architectural plans
- structural plans
- mechanical plans
- landscaping plans.
Please make sure that all plans are provided in landscape format and are no larger than A1 in size.
Specification documents
Specification documents include those for:
- mechanical services
- plumbing and drainage.
Supporting documents
These are documents that support your application and are not covered by the other categories. They include:
- Architectural and structural engineering plans and calculations.
- Any special arrangements you’ve made for inspections during construction, such as checking by an engineer:
Step 3: Convert the documents to PDF format
- Scan hard copy documents to PDF.
- Use a resolution of at least 300dpi.
- Ensure that the PDF files aren’t locked or password protected.
- Sort the files into folders with the four headings: Application, Plans, Specifications and Supporting Documents. Create sub-folders as required.
You don’t need to zip your files - our online portal can accept large files.
Step 4: Lodge the application
- Submit your application online. Use Chrome or Firefox internet browsers.
- Complete the required fields – your email address, the property address and the subject line (‘Building consent’).
- Attach the documents or folders you’ve prepared.
- In the message box, let us know how you’d like to receive your building consent documents. Either:
Once you have completed the above steps send the email by clicking ‘Send’ button.