Building Consents

A building consent is approval from the Council to carry out building works at a specific site. It ensures that there is sanitary plumbing and drainage, that minimum fire safety standards have been met and that all works are structurally sound.

Note: a Building Consent cannot be granted by the Council unless a Project Information Memorandum (PIM) has been issued.

When do I need a Building Consent?

How do I apply for a Building Consent?

Application Forms

How long will it take to process my Building Consent?

What are Building Inspections?

Is a Building Consent for an indefinite period?

How much does a Building Consent cost?

What is a Notice to Rectify?

What should I do when the project is completed?

What is a Minor Building Consent?

How do I apply?

Exemptions for Building Consents

Electrical/Gasfitting Works

Additional Information Guides on building in Papakura is available here.

When do I need a Building Consent?

A building consent is required for most building work including:

• pools, retaining walls, garages and carports, alterations including
  extensions, new buildings and some decks and fences

• plumbing and drainage work

• heating including fireplaces, ventilation and air conditioning systems

• lifts

• demolition

• relocation of old buildings

• change of use of buildings

If you undertake any of the above work without a Building Consent from the Council, excluding those specifically identified in the Building Act, the work is illegal.  Any illegal works may impact negatively on your insurance cover or property sale and will have to be remedied and could prove to be expensive.

Important Note:

Depending on the location of your building site and the nature of the proposed project, you will need to check compliance with the Council’s District Plan. If the proposed project does not comply, then you will need to obtain a Resource Consent. 

If Resource Consent is required, you cannot start any building work until a Resource Consent has been granted (Building Act 1991, Section 35). Please contact our Regulatory Services Unit or telephone 09 295 1300 for more information.

How do I apply for a Building Consent?

Depending on the size of the works proposed, you should have your architect, draughtsperson, builder, engineer and/or other qualified consultant to assist you in completing a Building Consent Application Form.

You must complete the application form in full. If the information is incomplete or does not provide the level of detail required, then processing delays will occur as the Council has to ask you to submit further information.

Many building consent applications are delayed due to insufficient engineering information. This information may include a geotechnical report or a flood risk assessment and/or drainage. The Council suggests you seek professional advice when collecting this information.

All applications should be lodged in person at the Council Regulatory Services Unit, 35 Coles Crescent, Papakura, Entrance 2. Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 5.00pm. You will need to pay a deposit when you lodge your application. In some cases, additional charges will need to be paid depending on whether building inspections or other work is required, to process your application. Refer to Council's  Fees and Charges Schedule.

If you have employed an architect, builder or other consultant, then they should attend the lodgement meeting also.  To request a lodgement meeting for a Building Consent, please contact the Regulatory Services Unit between 8.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday on 295 1300.