2. Application process
Step 1: Vetting for completeness
Once an application has been submitted, it will be vetted for completeness to ensure enough information has been provided to allow processing to begin.
Depending on the size and complexity of the application, this part of the process should take two working days. If there is information missing an applicant may be asked to resubmit the application when the missing information is available.
When all required information has been received the applicant will be advised in writing that the application has been formally received for processing and the statutory clock will start.
Step 2: Processing the application
We must decide whether to grant an application within 20 working days (subject to any further information requests) from receipt of all required information.
We’ll engage expert consultants to assess the application to make sure that the completed dam, when constructed, will comply with the Building Code. Certain building consent applications will need to be forwarded to Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ). While this is extremely unlikely, should it occur, Environment Canterbury will be responsible for this on your behalf.
The application is granted when the BCA advises the applicant verbally or via e-mail that they are satisfied on reasonable grounds that the provisions of the building code would be met if the building work were properly completed in accordance with the plans and specifications that accompanied the building consent application. The building consent document will then be prepared and issued to the applicant. At the moment the applicant has been advised that the requirements for a building consent have been met, the building consent is considered to have been "granted" and the 20-day statutory clock stops. The consent itself will be issued once payment of our fees incurred during processing are received.
If we refuse an application, the applicant will be advised in writing and reasons will be given for the decision.
The application is granted when the BCA records that the project has been approved and a building consent will be issued to the applicant. At the moment of “granting” the 20-day statutory clock stops. The applicant will be advised by telephone or letter that the consent has been granted. The consent itself will be issued once payment of our fees incurred during processing are received.
Once you receive your building consent, please read it carefully, particularly the conditions and advisory notes.
Step 3: Further information requests
It is not unusual for additional or amended information to be needed during the processing stage, to confirm compliance with the Building Code.
If a request for further information is made, the statutory consent processing timeframe will be suspended until the additional information is received.
Frequently asked questions
If it is not possible for a dam owner to comply with the building consent, an amendment may be required.
For any variation of the building consent it is necessary to establish whether it is a minor amendment or if it requires a formal application for an amendment to the building consent. An applicant should provide details of the amendment together with any relevant plans and specifications to the Building Control Authority Co-ordinator who will determine the nature of the amendment.
The Building Control Authority Co-ordinator will advise the applicant if the variation is minor in nature or requires an application for an amendment to building consent.
Minor Amendment
If it is a minor amendment, an application can be made via e-mail to the Building Control Authority Co-ordinator at sonya.karatau-neeson@ecan.govt.nz. It will be considered and approved by Environment Canterbury through the exchange of correspondence.
Amendment for an amendment to building consent
If an application for an amendment to building consent is required an application must be submitted on the prescribed form (Form F057) (PDF File, 292.29KB), in accordance with the Building Act 2004 and building regulations.
It is not unusual for additional or amended information to be needed to confirm compliance with the Building Act 2004.
In such cases, we will request further information by telephone, fax, mail or email and the consent will be suspended.
If a request for further information is made, the statutory consent processing timeframe will be suspended until the additional information is received.
- Waivers and modifications (section 67(2)); Natural hazards (s73);
- Building on 2 or more allotments/titles (s75(2));
- Inspections by building consent authorities (s90);
- Building with specified intended lives (s113(2)).
- Natural Hazards (section 73)
Download and print building consent application forms
Disclaimer
Environment Canterbury and contractors engaged to undertake regulatory review work are not able to provide design or technical advice. Dam owners and building consent applicants should seek their own technical advice. This may include obtaining a peer review of the proposed design of the dam. The applicant has the responsibility to make sure enough detail is provided in the plan of the proposed building work, the specifications and other documentation.