If you're planning a building project in New Zealand — whether it's a new home, an extension, or a major renovation — you'll likely need a building consent before work begins. Two types exist under the Building Act 2004: the full building consent and the outline planning consent (more correctly called an outline plan of works). Understanding which one applies to your project can save you time, money, and headaches down the track.
What Is a Full Building Consent?
A full building consent is the standard consent most homeowners will deal with. It is issued by your local council (the Building Consent Authority, or BCA) and gives you legal permission to carry out specific building work. Before issuing it, the council checks that your proposed work complies with the NZ Building Code and relevant New Zealand Standards (such as NZS 3604 for timber-framed buildings).
You must apply for a full building consent before starting work on projects such as:
- New homes or major additions
- Structural alterations (removing or adding walls)
- Wet area work covered by E3 (internal moisture) provisions
- Plumbing and drainage work covered by G12
- Decks over a certain height, garages, and sleepouts
The application requires detailed documentation — plans, specifications, producer statements, and engineering calculations where needed. Once approved, inspections are carried out at key stages, and a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) is issued when the work is finished correctly.
What Is an Outline Plan of Works (Outline Consent)?
An outline plan of works is a less well-known process that applies specifically to network utility operators and certain requiring authorities — for example, electricity lines companies, local authorities building infrastructure, or similar organisations. It is governed by the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) rather than the Building Act, and it is processed by councils in their resource management capacity.
For the average homeowner doing residential work, an outline plan of works is not relevant. It is primarily used when a requiring authority wants to construct or alter a designated work (such as a road, power line corridor, or water treatment plant) and needs to notify affected parties before proceeding.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Full Building Consent | Outline Plan of Works |
|---|---|---|
| Governed by | Building Act 2004 | Resource Management Act 1991 |
| Issued by | Building Consent Authority (council) | Council (resource management function) |
| Who uses it | Homeowners, developers, builders | Network utility operators, requiring authorities |
| Purpose | Approve specific building work | Notify and consult on designated infrastructure works |
| Inspections required | Yes, at key stages | Not in the same way |
| Code Compliance Certificate | Yes, on completion | Not applicable |
| Relevant to most homeowners | Yes | Rarely |
When Do You Need a Full Building Consent?
Not all building work requires a consent. Schedule 1 of the Building Act lists exempt work — things like small sheds under a certain floor area, garden structures, and minor repairs. However, the exemptions have specific conditions, and getting it wrong can cause serious problems when you sell your home or make an insurance claim.
BRANZ is New Zealand's building research organisation and provides excellent guidance on what triggers a consent requirement. When in doubt, check with your local council or speak to a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) before starting work.
The Full Building Consent Process: Step by Step
1. Pre-application meeting
Many councils offer a pre-application meeting to discuss your project before you lodge paperwork. This can flag issues early and speed up processing.
2. Prepare your application
You'll need detailed drawings, site plans, specifications, and any engineering or producer statements. Your LBP or designer can help prepare these.
3. Lodge with your council
The council has 20 working days to process a standard consent (the clock can be stopped if they request further information).
4. Inspections during construction
The council will specify which inspections are required — foundations, framing, pre-line, and final are common stages.
5. Code Compliance Certificate
Once all inspections are passed and the work is complete, you apply for your CCC. This is a critical document — without it, your building work is not legally signed off.
Restricted Building Work: What Homeowners Can and Can't Do
Certain work — called Restricted Building Work (RBW) — must be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner. This includes most structural and weathertightness work. As a homeowner-builder, you may be able to do some work on your own home, but you must understand the rules first. Check the MBIE Building Performance website for full details on owner-builder exemptions.
For electrical work, only registered electricians can carry out prescribed electrical work under the Electricity Act — check the Electrical Workers Registration Board. For plumbing and gasfitting, licensed tradespeople registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board must carry out restricted sanitary plumbing and gasfitting work.
When to Call a Professional
If your project requires a full building consent, it's strongly advisable to engage a qualified professional — a designer, architect, or LBP — to prepare your application. Errors or omissions in consent documents can cause costly delays. A good local builder can also manage the consent process on your behalf.
You can find qualified, vetted local builders and tradespeople on tradedirectory.co.nz to help you navigate the consent process and get your project built right.