Most structural roofing work in New Zealand requires a building consent from your local council before work begins. Getting this right protects you legally, keeps your home insurance valid, and ensures the work meets the NZ Building Code. Here's a plain-English guide to what consents your roofer needs — and when they might not need one at all.
Why Consents Matter for Roofing Work
The Building Act 2004 requires that most building work — including structural roofing — is carried out under a building consent issued by your local territorial authority (your council). A consent means a council inspector will check the work meets the NZ Building Code, including clauses relevant to roofing such as B1 (Structure), B2 (Durability), and E2 (External Moisture). Without a consent where one is required, you could face difficulties selling your home, problems with insurance claims, and potential enforcement action.
What Counts as Structural Roof Work?
Structural roof work generally includes:
- Replacing or modifying roof framing (rafters, purlins, ridge boards, trusses)
- Changing the roof pitch or roof form
- Adding a new roof structure (e.g. over an extension or new deck)
- Installing roof windows or skylights that require cutting into structural members
- Removing or altering load-bearing walls that support the roof
- Re-roofing where the underlying structure is altered
This type of work typically falls under NZS 3604:2011 (Timber-framed buildings), which sets out the engineering requirements for residential roof framing. Your roofer or builder should be familiar with this standard.
When Is a Building Consent Required?
As a general rule: if the work is structural, a building consent is almost certainly required. Your roofer cannot legally begin structural work without one in place.
The consent process involves:
- Submitting plans and specifications to your council
- Council assessment (timeframes vary — allow at least 20 working days)
- Consent issued before work starts
- Inspections at key stages
- A Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) issued on completion
Always confirm requirements with your local council, as they are the consenting authority and have the final say.
Schedule 1 Exemptions — What Might Not Need a Consent?
Not all roofing work requires a consent. Schedule 1 of the Building Act lists exemptions for lower-risk work. Roofing work that may be exempt includes:
- Like-for-like re-roofing where no structural changes are made (e.g. replacing old iron with new iron on the same framing)
- Minor repairs to existing roofing materials
- Replacing gutters and downpipes
| Work Type | Consent Likely Required? |
|---|---|
| New roof structure (extension) | Yes |
| Changing roof pitch or form | Yes |
| Structural framing repairs/replacement | Yes |
| Like-for-like re-roof (no structural change) | Often exempt — confirm with council |
| Gutter/downpipe replacement | Generally exempt |
| Skylight installation (structural) | Yes |
Important: Even if work appears to be exempt, you should confirm with your council before starting. Exemptions have conditions, and getting it wrong can be costly.
You can find detailed guidance on exemptions at MBIE Building Performance.
Who Can Do the Work — Licensed Building Practitioners
For restricted building work (RBW) — which includes structural roofing — the work must be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). This is a legal requirement under the Building Act.
Your roofer or builder should hold an appropriate LBP licence (typically in the Carpentry or Roofing licence class). Always ask to see their LBP number and check it at Licensed Building Practitioners. An LBP must also provide you with a Record of Work on completion of restricted building work.
If your project involves any electrical work (e.g. wiring for skylights or heat lamps), that must be done by a registered electrician — check EWRB. Plumbing connections to roof drainage may require a licensed plumber — check PGDB.
When to Call a Professional
Any structural roofing work should be handled by a qualified, LBP-licensed roofer or builder. Attempting structural work yourself without the right licence, consent, or knowledge can:
- Void your home insurance
- Create serious safety hazards (roof collapse, water ingress)
- Result in enforcement action from your council
- Cause problems when you sell your property
A good roofer will manage the consent process on your behalf or work alongside your builder to do so. If you're unsure who to hire, you can find qualified local roofers on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Safety note: Roof work is high-risk. Falls from height are a leading cause of serious injury in New Zealand. Ensure your tradesperson follows a safe work plan in line with WorkSafe NZ guidelines.
What You Should Ask Your Roofer Before Work Starts
- Do you hold a current LBP licence, and in what class?
- Will this work require a building consent, and who will apply for it?
- Will you provide a Record of Work on completion?
- Are there any council-specific requirements I should know about?
Getting clear answers to these questions upfront will save you headaches down the track.
Roofing Association of NZ (RANZ)
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
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