Building consents

Environment Canterbury has a statutory responsibility, under the Building Act 2004, for issuing building consents for large dams and ensuring ongoing dam safety. The Building Act 2004 was passed by government to improve the control of, and encourage better practices in, building design and construction.

Environment Canterbury was accredited by International Accreditation New Zealand, and is now registered as a Building Consent Authority with the Department of Building and Housing.

This function means that Environment Canterbury is responsible for ensuring dams are well constructed, that dams are regularly monitored and that the potential risks to people and property are minimised. This function does not replace the requirement for resource consents for damming, taking or diverting water under the Resource Management Act 1991. Any applicable resource consents will still be needed before a dam project commences.

Forms and booklets

Read frequently asked questions and their answers about dams and their consents:
Dams: Customer guide to frequently asked questions (pdf 736 kB)

A building consent is required for all structures that meet the definition of a large dam. Find out how you can obtain a building consent for your dam and your other obligations as a dam owner, including classifying and registering your dam and the ongoing dam safety requirements:

Dams: What you need to know (pdf 410 kB)

A consent pack is available from Environment Canterbury's office.  Contact Customer Services for more details of how to obtain the pack.

Application forms

Download, print, fill-in, sign and return the form.

Application for Project Information Memorandum (PIM) and/or Building Consent (including checklist) (pdf 313 kB)

Application for Code Compliance Certificate (pdf 63 kB)

Application for Certificate of Acceptance (pdf 101 kB)

Contact

For further advice and information, please contact Environment Canterbury.