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Apply for a solid fuel heater building consent​

If you want to install, replace, or relocate any appliance that contains fire (new or second-hand), you will need a building consent.​

You will need to provide detailed information about the heater, your home, and how it will be installed.​

Submitting your application is easy and convenient with our online application process.​

All you need to do is sign-in or register to submit your application online using our easy-to-follow application forms.​

When registering, your password must be at least 8 characters long and include at least one lower case letter, one upper case letter, and one numeric character.

Apply online

Cost

The fee for a building consent for a solid fuel heater is $387. 

This includes one inspection, accreditation levy, and final Code Compliance Certificate. ​

If the fire is going into an existing chimney, Council will undertake two inspections – one inspection of the chimney before installation.

What happens next

Once you complete your online application, you will receive an applicant checklist via email. Complete your checklist.​

We will vet your application form and checklist to ensure all required information has been provided.​ If further information is required, you will receive an email notification.

Once your application is accepted, you will be notified via email and receive an invoice for payment.​

Once payment is received, your application will be assessed against the building code. You will be notified as soon as your consent has been approved and you can install your heater.​

FAQs

A solid fuel heater is a type of domestic heater that burns fuels such as wood, coal,or pellets to provide heating. These appliances are often called wood burners,wood stoves, or tile fires.

A building consent can only be issued for a second-hand solid fuel heater that is less than three years old.​

A second-hand solid fuel heater that is older than three years old can receive a building consent, however it will have to be inspected by a suitably qualified person, and shown to be safe, of sound construction, and compliant with building standards ASNZS-29182018 and ASNZS-38691999.​

You will be required to provide supporting evidence in your building consent application to validate the age of the solid fuel heater, and you must have the correct installation instructions.

Proof of ownership​

You will need to include proof of ownership that is less than three months old – thiscould be a current Rates demand, Record of Title or your Sale and Purchase Agreementif your Record of Title has not been updated yet.​

If applying on behalf of the owner, you will need to provide a letter of authority from theowner.​

Order a Record of Title

Photos​

Please provide photos of the location of where the solid fuel heater will be installed inyour consent application.​

Floor plan​

This must clearly show the following:​

  • Location of fixtures and fittings​
  • Openable windows and doors​
  • Location and position of the new heater​
  • Fixtures, fittings and hot water systems​
  • Location and type of smoke detectors​
  • Path of the flue through the building and roof​
  • Material compatibility between roof and flashings​.
  •  

    Details of specifications​

    Include the following details about your new heater:​

  • Specific make and model of the heater you are installing​
  • Specific installation instructions for the make and model you are installing​
  • Hearth type, e.g. ash or insulated and measurements, and flue requirements​.

     

    If you are installing a wetback wood burner or solar water heating system​

    This must be installed by a registered plumber and details provided in your consentapplication.​

    Your floor plan must also clearly show the following:​

  • Location, distance, details of the appliance in relation to hot water cylinder​
  • Diagram showing the pipeline between heater, cylinder and location of tempering valves​.
  •  

    Council will inspect solid fuel heaters during the installation process.​

    The installers may arrange the inspection; however we advise that you confirm thiswith your installer to ensure that it is arranged and carried out.​

    A Code Compliance (CCC) will be issued when the inspector is satisfied your solidfuel heater complies with the consented plans and specifications, the BuildingCode, and all required documentation has been provided to Council.​

    Last updated 15 September 2025, 12:22 pm

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