Building Consent Management

Building Consent Activity generally comprises three functions; consenting, inspecting and certifying building work to ensure better, safer, drier buildings that meet legal requirements. These are administered in accordance with the Building Act 2004 and Building Codes. A significant portion of this activity includes advice and support to the public which is not recoverable from fees and charges.

Building Consent Management contributes

• To promote safe and health buildings.
• Take account of environmental issues in consent processes.

– development so far – 

Electronic Capabilities

What we said  we would do in 2013/14

• Investigate the use of electronic based consenting and field tablet operation.

What we did in 2013/14

• Viewed electronic systems being implemented and trialed in other Councils.

What we plan to do in 2014/15

• Continue to develop the electronic capability for the building function.

– what we have achieved in 2013/14 –  

• Building Fees and Charges Schedule were approved by Council, June 2013. Staff have worked to update the schedules and systems for implementation from 1 July 2014.
• Half yearly Construction Section News in collaboration with Whangarei and Kaipara District Councils continues as a joint venture.
• Bi-Annual Building Accreditation Audit took place between October/November 2013. Nine corrective action requests from the audit process completed by February 2014.
• Workshop with practitioners to identify areas where mutual improvements can be made to expedite the process were undertaken. In addition to this two workshops were held for the express consent trial.

– where are we now? – 

• National online consenting has been proposed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Building and Housing Department, and this may elevate the need for electronic applications and field tablet operation.
• The Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 amendments have not been advanced due to no Ministerial directive.
• Royal Commissions Earthquake Enquiry and findings have not been implemented through guidance notes or legislation for national consistency.

- key priorities planned for 2014/15 –

Transport Strategy and Advocacy Plan

• Successful implementation of the amendments to the Building Act 2004 and continue to comply with building accreditation requirements.
• Continue to audit the Building Warrant of Fitness regime and meet Council’s obligations under the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987.
• Continue to undertake process improvements to the building consent process with input from practitioner groups.
• Increase public and practitioner knowledge of Building Act 2004 requirements through public information newsletters and website updates.

¹ Please refer to the Building Consent Management section of the Long-Term Plan (LTP) 2012/13 and the Annual Plans 2013/14 and 2014/15 for further information on priorities