When the Council issues a building consent, it usually attaches conditions which would have been considered necessary to ensure compliance with the Building Act or the New Zealand Building Code. These conditions may require specialist inspections (such as a structural engineer) to be undertaken during construction.

It is important that the applicant and their builder read and understand all the conditions of a permit before commencing work. If you do not understand any condition imposed, please contact Building Control Officers to discuss on 07 306 9009.

What inspections do I need?

The Council uses the information supplied as part of the building consent application to assess and determine what inspections will be necessary to ensure compliance is achieved.

Sometimes it is necessary to use specialists to conduct inspections in addition to the inspections carried out by the building consent authority (the Council). If a specialist inspection is necessary, you will generally be advised before the consent is issued. 

Typically these types of inspections may involve having a geotechnical engineer confirm ground stability, or having an aspect of specific structural design checked by a registered engineer.

Applicants are encouraged to ensure they are familiar with what inspections are required before commencing work. 

How do I book an inspection?

Building inspections are booked by phone through the customer services team on 07 306 9009 

Inspections can be undertaken Tuesday and Thursday 9.30 am to 3.30 pm (excluding public holidays). Inspections requested outside these time frames will be subject to the availability of the Building Control Officer.
When booking an inspection you will be required to provide:

• The building consent number
• Name of the applicant
• Site address
• Type of inspection required

Note: It is the applicant's (or their builder’s) responsibility to notify the Council at least 24 hours before you require an inspection.

How do I know if the inspection has been passed?

For an inspection to take place, the owner or their representative must be available on site together with the approved copy of the plans and specifications. 

Note: If the Building Control Officer arrives on site and the documentation is not available, the inspection will not proceed, and you will be billed for the Officer’s time.

On the conclusion of each inspection, the outcome is recorded on a site inspection card as a pass or fail. This is provided for your record and is required to be retained on site with the building consent documentation for the duration of the project.

What if the inspection has failed?

If an inspection has failed, the work to be rectified will be recorded on a site instruction sheet, a copy of which will be left on site with the owner or their representative. An inspection of the remedial work will be required. 

If the work is not remedied to the satisfaction of the Building Control Officer, a Notice to Fix is likely to be issued. 

What is a Notice to Fix?

A Notice to Fix is a formal request issued by the building consent authority advising that certain works have not been carried out in accordance with the Building Code. 

If a Notice to Fix is issued, you are required to address the issues identified within a prescribed timeframe to prevent further enforcement action being taken. 

Enforcement of Notices to Fix is undertaken by the Territorial Authority. 

What happens if I overlook an inspection?

Missed inspections or work covered up prematurely are likely to result in the Council requiring the work to be uncovered and/or the Council not being able to issue a Code Compliance Certificate for the project. Missed inspections can be costly oversights and may have considerable consequences when it comes time to sell the property. We strongly advise avoiding these mistakes by keeping in close touch with our building team.

Do I need a final inspection?

Yes, all building consents require a final inspection.

Your approved building work should be completed within two years of the date that the building consent was issued. 

If you can not complete the work within this timeframe, it is essential that you contact us to discuss possible options. 

When all work has been completed in accordance with the building consent, a Code Compliance Certificate will be issued.

What is a Code Compliance Certificate?

A Code Compliance Certificate is the Council’s verification that all works undertaken comply with the building consent. It is an important document and should be retained for future reference.

It is mandatory to apply for a Code Compliance Certificate after all work has been completed. 

The Council has 20 days from receiving an application for Code Compliance Certificate to decide whether or not to issue the certificate.