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Exempt Work

Some work does not require a building consent, but all work must meet the Building Code. Council suggests that you discuss all building work with a member of the Building Services team: even if your project is exempt, we will keep a copy of your plans on your property file so that your records are complete.

A guide to building work that does not require a building consent  (pdf 1.36MB)

Description of Work

 

Consent Required

Additions 

Yes 

Alterations  

Yes - Internal alterations could be exempt from requiring a building consent so long as a critical structural member is not removed, e.g. brace wall or load bearing wall. for further advice please contact Building Services.

Air conditioning system  

Yes - This system needs to be tested by an 'Independent Qualified person' once installed to determine that this is working and needs to have Building Warrant of Fitness regime initiated.

Awnings    

 No - As long as these following conditions are met (weather tight material or construction)

  • Is on the ground or first storey level and
  • Does not exceed 20sq mtrs

Backflow preventer  

Yes - This valve needs to be tested by an 'Independent Qualified person' once installed to determine that this is working and needs to have Building Warrant of Fitness regime initiated.

Carport 

No - Unless floor area is greater than 20sq mtrs (Resource Consent may be required).

Change of use of a building 

Yes

 

Dams 

Yes - Dams that contain greater than 35000 litres of water - apply direct to regional authority (EBOP or Environment Waikato)

Deck, Bridge, Jetty 

Yes - Where there is a possibility of falling 1.5mtrs to ground (not water level). If there is a possibility of falling 1mtr then a hand rail will need to be installed.

Demolition 

  • No - Domestic only.
  • Yes - Commercial - not required for all or part of damaged building that is detached and no more than 3 storeys high.

Note: Service utilities must be disconnected before demolition commences. A Rotorua District Council Disconnection of Services Form for any Services no longer required due to Demolition Removal of a Building, Subdivision or Redevelopment is required to be submitted to Council regardless of whether the demolition is exempt work or not exempt.

Dwelling 

 

Yes

 

Fence

  • Yes - If the fence is more than 2.5mtrs in height above natural ground level. This measurement is inclusive of a fence built on top of a retaining wall or any fence required under the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act.

  • No - If the fence is less than 2.5mtrs in height above the natural ground level (Resource Consent may be applicable).

Fireplace

Yes - Gas fires do not require Building Consent but must be installed by a licenced gas fitter.

Garage

Yes

Garden sheds (over 10sq mtrs

Yes - Also for any shed closer than its height to a legal boundary or habitable building.

Garden sheds (less than 10sq mtrs)

No - Unless the shed is placed closer than its own height to a legal boundary or habitable building.

Gas instant hot water system

No - Work must be undertaken by a licenced gas fitter and plumber.

Habitable building

Yes

Hot water cylinder

No - Unless the work is not like for like replacement.

Lifts, escalators, cable cars

Yes

Marquee, tent    

No - So long as the following condition is met:

  • 100sq mtrs maximum for a private function and less than one month duration.

Pergolas (unroofed)

No - Building Consent not required for the following building work:

  • The construction, alteration or removal of a pergola

Relocate building

 

Yes

 

Repairing part of a house that has failed to meet its function (for example, is not weather-tight)

 

Yes

Remodel bathroom (domestic)

No - As long as no additional plumbing or sanitary fixtures are to be installed and the work is undertaken by a licenced plumber.

Remodel kitchen

No - Unless moving plumbing/sewer or changing structure

Re-roof    

  • No - if replacing like for like

  • Yes - if roofing material is to changed

Retaining walls

No - So long as the following conditions are not exceeded:

  • Wall does not exceed 1.5mtrs in height (urban) or 3mtrs in height and is designed by a professional engineer (rural) at any one point above natural ground level.
  • Is not either creating or supporting a surcharge upon an area for a building or structure including a fence, driveway or carpark.
  • Does not interfere with the natural flow of excess water on the property.








Shade Sails

No - as long as the following conditions are met:

  • Is made from a lightweight fabric/material (not weathertight). 
  • Does not exceed 50sq mtrs in size.
  • Is no closer than 1mtr to a legal boundary.
  • Is on the ground level, or, if on a building, on the ground or first storey level of the building.


Shed

Any shed less than 10sq mtrs and no closer than its own height from the boundary, or is not a habitable space is exempt under the First Schedule of the New Zealand Building act 2004. Anything outside this requires a building consent.

Sleepout 

Yes - Only if the sleepout exceeds 10sq mtrs otherwise refer to Small Buildings brochure for the requirements associating boundary and/or habitable rooms.

Small buildings less than 10sq mtrs

No -  Unless this building is placed closer than its own height to a legal boundary or habitable building.

Swimming pool/spa pool 

Yes

Water Tanks

No - as long as the following conditions are met:

  • Not exceeding 35000 ltrs and supported directly by the ground
  • Not exceeding 16000 litres and supported not more than .25 metres above the supporting ground.
  • Not exceeding 8000 litres and supported not more than .5 metres above the supporting ground
  • Not exceeding 4000 litres and supported not more than 1 metre above the supporting ground.
  • Not exceeding 2000 litres and supported not more than 2 metres above the supporting ground.
  • Not exceeding 1000 litres and supported not more than 3 metres above the supporting ground.
  • Not exceeding 500 litres and supported not more than 4 metres above the supporting ground.

Wetback

Yes - The Solid Fuel Heater must be of an authorised type as required by the Ministry for the Environment and work must be undertaken by a licenced plumber.

Windows and doors

No - As long as the structural stability is not reduced.No - As long as the structural stability is not reduced.

 

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