NEW BUILDING CONSENT EXEMPTIONS

Changes to the Building Act will mean building consents aren’t needed for some new or expanded types of low-risk building work, like sleep outs, sheds, carports, outdoor fireplaces and ground-mounted solar panels.

New building consent exemptions have been added to the Building Act. These exemptions will save building owners time and money, as they will not have to go to their local council for consent for common low-risk building work. This reduction in building consents will also allow councils to focus on building work that is higher risk, helping to boost productivity.

From August 31st, 2020

This package of new exemptions adds to the work that can already be done without a building consent, outlined in Schedule 1 of the Building Act.

Some types of new exempt building work can be done without the help of a professional, while others require the involvement of a Chartered Professional Engineer or Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). This is a big win for LBPs, as it will raise their profile and encourage home and building owners to use them.

The new exemptions started on August 31st, 2020.

For more information visit this article by Juliet Clendon MBIE https://www.itm.co.nz/Articles/Building-Consent-Exemptions