Inspection types are identified during the processing stage and listed as part of the building consent documentation which contains a description of the inspection types and the description of the building work is to be assessed for each of the standard inspection type.
All inspection request are to be booked through the Inspections Administration and this is done either by telephone (0800 222 056) or by submitting the booking inspection form.
A pre-construction start meeting may be required on-site including information and personnel that are required to be available on-site, with access provided for all inspection officers, and covering the process of booking an inspection.
During construction, you will need to arrange for Consentium building inspectors to inspect the work that has been done to make sure it complies with the consented building consent. Inspection observations will be recorded on the on-site inspection report. If the inspection involves restricted building work, the licensed building practitioner carrying out the work will need to produce their photo ID licence card.
Building work may be inspected for each standard inspection type when a technical decision on what is required in order to establish reasonable grounds has been made when delivering the inspection.
Non-standard inspections will be identified through the pre-construction start meeting required for all projects. These may include (but are not limited to), site specific considerations, extent of ANARP, minor variation, documentation and process for CCC, methodology of inspections and the scope of work etc. The outcomes from the meeting are recorded as a pre-construction start meeting site notice and a copy is also sent to the customer.
To deliver a non-standard inspection will be dealt with on a case by case basis during the inspection process and may be carried out by the Consentium or by relevant specialists who are then required to provide appropriate documentation. These non-standard inspections are recorded as part of a site meeting record.
If the work has been completed in accordance with the consented documents the inspector will sign it off and work can continue.
Refer to the process for inspection and completion of project [PDF, 141 KB]
What happens if the work is non-compliant?
Areas of non-compliance will be detailed on the on-site inspection report. Re-inspection may be required if the building officer is not satisfied that the work meets the requirements of the building consent and/or the Building Code.
Where issues are of a more serious nature it is possible a Site-Notice or Notice to Fix may be issued, requiring any building work not done in accordance with the Building Code to be corrected. Officers may also instruct that building work cease in the area affected by the non-compliance until satisfied work is able to proceed in compliance with Building Act requirements. Failure to act promptly can result in an infringement fine or prosecution.
Work unaffected by the non-compliant work may continue but this needs to be established with the building officer on site.
Amendments to building consent
Any changes to a consent that has already been granted will require an amendment application - read the amendments guidance(external link)
Note: You are required to apply for an amendment the same as you would an application for a building consent.
Minor variations
A minor variation is a minor modification, addition, or variation to a building consent that does not deviate significantly from the plans and specifications to which the consent relates. To find out more on the definition, assessment and granting of minor variations to building consents, see Minor Variation Guidance(external link).
How to make an application for a minor variation
If the consent has been issued and no inspections have yet taken place, an application for minor variation with supporting documents can be submitted through the (Minor Variation) e-mail which will then be assigned to a processor to review. If approved or if further clarification is needed, the processor will contact the applicant via phone or email.
Once inspections have commenced for the project, the minor variation application must be presented to the inspector on site during an inspection or via email. In the case of a minor variation that may require greater consideration, a site meeting with the inspector must be booked to allow sufficient time to review. If the minor variation is approved, 1 copy is to remain on-site with all records.
The applicant is required to fill out the minor variation form [PDF, 458 KB] in both the above cases.
Typical council inspections of a building project(external link)
