More Help with Building Consents

There is a checklist available, which outlines the standard information required for a building consent application (This can be downloaded from the website or picked up from HCC).

The list below indicates some of the more common details missing and if supplied will increase the likelihood of your application being processed quickly.

Information commonly left out:

1. New roof structures need to be accompanied with a buildable truss plan, by an approved truss designer and fabricator. This allows for an assessment of all point loadings and provides an accurate 'build-able' layout.
   
2. Every consent presented to council for a commercial property will need to address accessibility in order to meet the requirements of The Building Act 2004 section 118. The consent will need to include such information as;
   

   * Accessible routes (Stairs, ramps, lifts and footpaths).
   * Accessible counters.
   * Accessible toilets.
   Details for all of these matters will need to be provided to demonstrate compliance as near as reasonably practicable with Clauses D1, G1 of the NZ Building Code and NZS 4121.

3. Bracing plans and schedules to demonstrate compliance with NZS 3604:1999 section 5. Please note if using the Gib bracing system then the revised system issued March 2006 will need to be used.
   
4. The plans need to show all beam/lintel sizes to show compliance with NZS 3604:1999 section 8.
   
5. On the back of application forms there is a checklist indicating the relevant parts of the NZ Standards and the NZ Building Codes. Please ensure that the documentation matches the ticked/indicated Acceptable Solution or standard. Frequently clause E2/AS1, is ticked yet the details of the flashing system are different and need to be processed as an alternative solution. Details should be specific and relevant to the job and match the wind zone they are designed for.
   
6. All fixing details need to be detailed for trusses, lintels, flitch beams, subfloor framing and any other system that requires specific methods of fixing.
   
7. Where engineer's calculations have been submitted, a Producer Statement (PS1) should accompany it. On the PS1 there should be indemnity insurance of no less than $500,000. Please note that if a producer statement cannot be provided then council may send the consent for a peer review to an external engineer at the applicants cost.
   
8. Hutt City Council also requires a letter of engagement from the engineer and there needs to be a list of inspections that will be carried out, to monitor the works. The engineer needs to confirm that on completion of the work, copies of the site inspection reports and a Construction Review Producer Statement (PS4) will be provided to Council.
   
9. All specifications /documentation provided needs to be site specific. Generic specifications/documentation will not be accepted.
   
10. Buildings Consents for a commercial property, no matter how big or small will need to be supported with a fire report by an approved fire engineer to demonstrate compliance with Clause C of the NZ Building Code.
    
11. All stair details need to be provided to demonstrate compliance with Clause D1.
    
12. When a deck is part of a consent then all construction details need to be provided.
    
13. The location and method of heating for the property needs to be provided to show compliance with G12 of the NZ Building Code.
    
14. All downpipe and Waste pipe sizes need to be shown on the relevent plans.
    
15. The drainage plan provided needs to meet the requirements of either G13 of the NZ Building Code or AS/NZS 3500.2.2003; it cannot be a combination of both.
    
16. Ventilation to the atmosphere needs to be demonstrated for commercial properties to demonstrate compliance with Clause G4.
    
17. Backflow preventer on water supplies within a commercial property needs to be shown.