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The Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Building Consents in Nelson and Motueka

When building a new structure or renovating your home, you need to ensure your project is fully compliant with NZ building codes and that you have approval from local councils. You must understand how to apply for building consent to streamline the process and avoid delays or rejection. 

This process may seem complex at first, but if you follow a simple set of steps, everything should go smoothly. Our team at Rowberry Builders will be happy to discuss the process of applying for building consent with you to clear up any confusion and provide you with expert guidance.

A Step-By-Step Guide To Applying For Building Consent For Your Nelson Or Motueka Project

Building consent is essential because it ensures that the local council approves of your project, ensuring that it’s legally compliant and within regulatory standards. Without consent, you could face legal issues down the track.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Building Consents in Nelson and Motueka

This 14-step process is as follows:

Step 1: Prepare Your Plans. First, you need to work with your architects, builders and other relevant parties to finalise and prepare your project plans. These plans highlight the details of your project, getting them ready to be analysed by the Nelson City Council for building consent.

Step 2: Apply For Project Information Memorandum (PIM). A PIM is a report that includes information about features on your property, like utility services. This can help quicken the building consent approval process.

Step 3: Check If You Need Resource Consent. When checking how to apply for building consent in NZ, you must also understand if you need to apply for resource consent. What’s the difference between the two?

  • Building Consent. This is for construction work that involves building or altering structures.
  • Resource Consent. This is for projects that impact natural resources.

For example, if your project involves removing trees or major earthworks, then you may have to apply for resource consent.

Step 4: Submit Your Building Plans. Once your project plans are completed, you can submit them.

Step 5: Apply For Building Consent From Nelson City Council. With everything in order, you can send your application to the building consent authority in the district of your project. Your application must include all relevant documents and information for the application.

Make sure you include everything you need and double-check that the information is correct and valid. This will reduce delays and confusion.

Step 6: The Application Will Begin To Be Processed. Once you’ve submitted your building consent application to Nelson City Council, the process will be put into their hands. Stay patient and respond promptly if the council contacts you for further details or clarification.

Step 7: Pay The Application Deposit. You must pay the deposit for your application process.

Step 8: Nelson City Council Will Check Your Application. The relevant authorities will check your plans for compliance. The council might request further information, which is why it’s important to include all relevant information in step 5 to avoid prolonging the process.

Step 9: Building Consent Is Granted. If everything is good to go, then your plans will be approved and you will be granted your building consent. Any outstanding fees for the process will be invoiced to you.

Step 10: Approved Consent Documents Are Issued. Once you’ve paid back any due fees, your consent documents will be issued and you can continue with your building project with the council’s approval.

Please know that you must begin work on your project within 12 months of your building consent being granted.

Step 11: Begin Building. With your plans approved, your team of builders can break ground on your site and begin the physical process of your building project.

Step 12: Book Inspections With Nelson City Council. Your building must be inspected throughout the process to ensure it aligns with the plans that were approved for your building consent. You can contact the council to book inspections.

Step 13: Final Building Inspection. Once your work is complete, your structure can be inspected one more time to ensure it is fully compliant with regulations and that it meets council standards.

Step 14: Apply For A Code Compliance Certificate (CCC). Finally, you must pay any outstanding balances and then you will be issued a CCC for your project. A code compliance certificate is documented proof that your building work matches your approved building consent.

Learning More About How To Apply For Building Consent In Nelson And Motueka

Applying for building consent from Nelson City Council is a crucial step in any Nelson or Motueka building project. If you do everything right, you can ensure the process is smooth and delay-free.

At Rowberry Builders, we know how important it is to follow the proper steps when handling any kind of project. We follow a set process for each build or renovation we work on to avoid mistakes and forgotten details.

Are you searching for reliable builders? Would you like to know more about building consent in Nelon and Motueka? Please give us a call on 027 272 7685 or contact us online, and we’ll gladly discuss your ideas with you.

Rowberry Builders: Let’s ensure your project is compliant, approved and successful.

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