Why you need a building consent

Find out what a building consent is and when and why you might need one for your building projects.

About building consents

A building consent is official Hutt City Council permission for you to undertake a project that involves constructing, altering, demolishing or removing a building.

It makes sure that your project complies with the:

  • Building Act 2004 and regulations – the main law on building work
  • New Zealand Building Code – the performance standards for all building work, covering areas such as structural stability, fire safety, access, moisture control and durability.

Council will grant a building consent once we're satisfied that the proposed building work will comply with the building code if the work is completed to the approved plans and specifications.

The difference between resource and building consents

A resource consent isn't the same thing as a building consent.

Building consent

You need a building consent if you’re constructing, altering, demolishing or removing a building. Building work that requires building consent may include:

  • removal of load-bearing walls
  • the construction of a new house
  • retaining walls over 1.5 meters high
  • swimming pools or fences
  • decking over 1 meter
  • solar panel installation
  • demolition or relocation work
  • plumbing and drainage work
  • additions or alterations
  • fences over 2.5 meters high

Resource consent

You need a resource consent if you're doing something that affects the environment and community. It focuses on the use of resources and doesn't look at how buildings and structures are constructed, but rather the affect they have. That said, if you're changing the overall form or character of an existing building you'll need a resource consent. An example of this could be an addition to an existing house.

A resource consent can relate to things like the type of activity (e.g. a house or new business), building heights,  appearance, building location and even noise. If you're changing the overall form or character of an existing building you'll need a resource consent. An example of this could be an addition to an existing house.

Activities that require resource consent may include:

  • cutting down trees or vegetation
  • subdividing or developing land
  • earthworks
  • water use
  • disposal of contaminants into water, soil or air
  • using coastal areas
  • some retail, commercial or industrial activities.

Note: For some activities you may also need both.

For more information

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