What Work Requires Building Consent?
In New Zealand, building consent is required for most construction work. Under the Building Act 2004, you need consent for work that:
- Affects the structural integrity of a building
- Affects weathertightness (walls, roof, windows)
- Includes plumbing, drainage, or gas fitting
- Includes significant electrical work
- Involves fire safety systems
- Changes the use of a building
- Builds a new dwelling or building over certain sizes
Work That Doesn't Need Consent (Exemptions)
Some building work is exempt from consent requirements under Schedule 1 of the Building Act. In Auckland, common exemptions include:
- Decks up to 1.5m high (with conditions)
- Ground-floor detached buildings under 10m² (sheds, etc.)
- Fences up to 2.5m high
- Retaining walls up to 1.5m (with conditions)
- Minor internal alterations (non-structural)
- Replacement of existing building elements (like-for-like)
- Pergolas and carports (with conditions)
- From January 2026: Granny flats up to 70m² (with conditions)
Auckland Council Consent Fees
Auckland Council charges fees based on project value and complexity. Typical 2025 fee ranges:
- Simple residential work (e.g., deck, minor alteration): $2,000-$4,000
- Bathroom or kitchen renovation: $3,000-$6,000
- House extension: $5,000-$10,000
- New dwelling: $8,000-$15,000+
- Note: Fees include processing, inspections, and Code Compliance Certificate
- Additional charges may apply for amendments or re-submissions
How Long Does Consent Take?
Auckland Council has statutory timeframes for processing consents:
• Standard residential: 20 working days • Commercial or complex: 20 working days
However, these timeframes only apply once your application is accepted as complete. In practice:
- Simple projects: 4-6 weeks total
- Medium complexity: 6-10 weeks total
- Complex projects: 10-16+ weeks total
- Clock stops if council requests further information (RFI)
- Multiple RFIs can significantly extend timeframes
Tips to Avoid Consent Delays
The most common reason for consent delays is incomplete or poor-quality applications. Here's how to avoid problems:
- Use an experienced builder who knows Auckland Council requirements
- Ensure all documentation is complete before submitting
- Include all required details (specifications, Producer Statements, engineering)
- Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) promptly and completely
- Consider using a consent lodgement service for complex projects
- Check for any resource consent requirements before applying
- Talk to council early for complex or unusual projects
The Building Consent Process
Here's the typical process for obtaining building consent in Auckland:
- 1. Design your project and prepare documentation
- 2. Check if resource consent is also required
- 3. Lodge application with Auckland Council online or in person
- 4. Council reviews application and may request further information
- 5. Council issues building consent (or declines with reasons)
- 6. Commence building work (within 12 months)
- 7. Book and pass required inspections during construction
- 8. Apply for Code Compliance Certificate when complete
- 9. Council issues CCC confirming work meets Building Code
