Can I make changes to a building consent?

If you want to change your building plans – either while we’re processing your consent application or when the building work is underway – you’ll need to send us:

• a plan clearly showing the changes
• if the change involves ‘restricted building work’, a list of the ‘licensed building practitioners’ who’ll be doing the work, on an Advice of Licensed Building Practitioner(s) form (PDF 228 kb)
• if we’ve already approved your building consent, a completed Application Form for Amendment to Building Consent (PDF 964 kb).

We’ll assess the extent of the change and let you know about the next steps.

Minor changes (variation)

If the change is not significantly different from the approved building consent plans and specifications, you can request approval for a minor variation. These are usually able to be carried out on-site by your building inspector. Some examples of minor variation include:

• substituting similar products (eg, one internal lining for a similar internal lining minor wall bracing changes)
• minor construction change (eg, changing the framing method used around a window)
• changing a room's layout (eg, repositioning fixtures in a bathroom).

Building inspectors may approve minor variations that arise in the course of building work. These are changes that do not affect compliance with the building code. Minor variations are recorded on an inspection site notice.

If you are requesting a minor variation this must be done before the work is undertaken and you will need to provide a plan of the changes you plan to make.

Hutt City Council follows the minor process  that is recommended by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Guide to Building Consent Amendments.