If you are
constructing, altering, demolishing or removing a building you probably need a
building consent.
What is a building consent?
A building
consent is the authorisation for you to start building work. It is official
consent from a Building Consent Authority (BCA), to undertake building work.
The BCA is
required to grant a building consent where the BCA is "satisfied on
reasonable grounds" that the work, if properly completed in accordance
with the plans and specifications, and other supporting information, will
comply with the Building Code. Satisfied on reasonable grounds means having
enough evidence or justification to believe something to be true or valid. It
implies a level of confidence based on sound reasoning or facts, rather than on
speculation or assumption.
As well as
a building consent, you may require approvals under other legislation such as
the Resource Management Act 1991, local bylaws, or approval from Fire and
Emergency New Zealand or Heritage New Zealand. For some activities you may also
need a resource consent (we will let you know
if you need a resource consent when we’ve assessed your building consent
application).