Apply for a building consent and/or PIM

Building consent application requirements

Completed application form: Use the prescribed form F002 - Building consents and/or Project Information Memorandum (DOCX file, 197.06KB)
Project Information Memorandum (PIM): If you do not already have a PIM from the territorial authority (TA) where the building work will occur, you can complete our combined application form for building consent and PIM. Under the Building Act 2004, we are required to apply for a PIM on your behalf through the TA.
Plans, drawings, and specifications: Submit detailed documents demonstrating that the proposed work complies with the relevant sections of the Building Code.
CodeMark product certificates: Provide current CodeMark certificates, including alternative certificates for pre-approved product substitutions, if applicable.
BuiltReady manufacturer’s certificates: Include the BuiltReady certificates once manufacturers are registered and the scheme is implemented.
Certificates of design work: Submit these certificates from licensed building practitioners.
Producer statements: We need to be confident that the engineers involved in designing your dam have the appropriate experience and competence. Producer statements can help establish compliance with the building code. View MBIE guidance on producer statements.
Record of title: You can obtain a copy of your record of title from Land Information New Zealand. You may also be able to get a copy from your lawyer or engineer.
Specified system information: If the building work involves working with specified systems, full information on the design standard, and the inspection, maintenance and reporting procedures is required.

ApplicationforbuildingconsentandorProjectInformationMemorandumPIMOctober2024 7 1

Download application form F002
Open XML, 197.02kB

Preparing plans and specifications

Your plans and specifications must demonstrate how the performance requirements of the Building Code will be met. The clearer the documentation, the less likely delays will occur.

We recommend engaging a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) familiar with New Zealand Society of Large Dams (NZSOLD) Dam Safety Guidelines, as all dam applications will be assessed using these guidelines as an alternative solution.

Incomplete or inadequate applications

If we find that the necessary plans and specifications are missing when we check your application, we’ll return it to you.
If we find that the plans and specifications are inadequate after we accept your application, we’ll request further information (RFI), meaning a delay until you provide the information.
If you do not provide the requested information or we are not satisfied that the plans and specifications meet the performance standards of the building code and the requirements of the Building Act 2004, we may refuse to grant your application.

Submit your application

When your application is ready:

Email: buildingconsents@ecan.govt.nz
Post: Environment Canterbury, PO Box 345, Christchurch 8140
In-person: 200 Tuam Street, Christchurch 8011 or 75 Church Street, Timaru.

Managing alterations, changing use, extending life, or subdividing land

To alter, change use, extend the life, or subdivide land under your dam, compliance with the Building Act and code provisions for safety, accessibility, and structural integrity is required. Read more about each topic for detailed guidance.

Making alterations to your dam

You need to apply for a building consent to alter your dam. Section 112 of the Building Act 2004 means we will not grant a building consent for the alteration of an existing building unless we are satisfied that, after the alteration, the building will:

comply as nearly as reasonably practicable with the provisions of the building code relating to means of escape from fire and access and facilities for those with disabilities; and
continue to comply with the provisions of the building code to at least the same extent as before the alteration.

These requirements may be waived if we are satisfied that the alteration will result in improvements relating to escape from fire or to disability facilities or access; and that these improvements will outweigh the detriment likely to arise from non-compliance with relevant building code provisions.

View MBIE guidance on making alterations to your dam.

Changing the use of your dam

You should notify us if you propose to change the use of an existing dam. We may issue a notice confirming that the dam, in its new use, will continue to comply with the building code, including in relation to means of escape from fire, protection of other property, sanitary facilities, structural and fire rating performance, and access and facilities for people with disabilities (if applicable).

A change of use is when a dam is no longer used for the sole purpose of containing fluid. A change in how the fluid is used does not constitute a use change.

View MBIE guidance on changing the use of your dam.

Extending the specified intended life of your dam

Some dams are built with an intended life of less than 50 years as provided for in the building consent.

If your dam, or attached structure, has a specified intended life, you need to remove it or demolish it on or before the end of that life, unless we have given you consent to extend it. We can only do this if:

the building has been altered under any condition imposed by the building consent under section 113(2) of the Building Act 2004; and
the building complies with section 112 of the Building Act.

View MBIE guidance on extending the life of your dam.

Subdividing the land under your dam

Section 116A of the Building Act means we will not issue a code compliance certificate under section 224(f) of the Resource Management Act 1991 to give effect to a subdivision affecting a dam or part of a dam unless we are satisfied on reasonable grounds that the dam will:

comply, as nearly as reasonably practicable, with the provisions of the building code relating to means of escape from fire, access and facilities for persons with disabilities (if appropriate), and protection of other property; and
if it complied with the other provisions of the building code immediately before the application for a subdivision was made, continue to comply with those provisions; or, if it did not comply with the other provisions of the building code immediately before the application for a subdivision was made, continues to comply at least to the same extent as it did then comply.