Understanding Building Consents in New Zealand — What You Need to Know
When planning to build in New Zealand, it’s not uncommon to hear different opinions about what does and doesn’t require consent. At the end of the day, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure that any restricted building work on their property has the proper consents issued.
Contractors aren’t usually taught during their apprenticeships where to find the relevant information about consenting. Some contractors interpret the rules differently to others so if you are being to different stories its best to know where to find the answers yourself.
In this post, we’ll clarify some of the most common questions we get asked about building consents — particularly around pergolas, retaining walls, and other small structures.
Where to Find Official Information
All official building legislation documents can be found on the New Zealand Government Building Performance website. One of the most useful documents is Schedule 1.— a guide to building work that does not require a building consent under the Building Act 2004.
Common Examples
We know that reading through Schedule 1 can be time-consuming, so here’s a quick summary of the most common situations homeowners ask us about:
- 🪵 Decks or retaining walls over 1.5 m — these require consent, as do decks or walls with a drop of 1.5 m or more.
- 🚧 Fences over 2 m in height need building consent.
- 🚰 Adding new services (e.g. plumbing for a washing machine, sink, or bathroom) requires consent.
- ☀️ Porches and verandahs exceeding 20 m² but not 30 m² may be constructed without consent if they’re designed and built by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
- 🏠 Replacing profile metal roofing cladding older then 15 years old as its lasted its durability requirement
Final Thoughts
Understanding when you do and don’t need a building consent can save you time, money, and compliance issues later down the track.
If you’re unsure about your project, it’s always best to check with your local council or talk to a Licensed Building Practitioner before starting work.
At Macalister Construction, we help homeowners across Auckland plan and complete their projects correctly — from decks and pergolas to full renovations and new builds.
Contact us today for advice or a free quote.
