Applying for a code compliance certificate
Apply for a code compliance certificate as soon as you can after your building work is complete.
A code compliance certificate states that:
- the consented building work has been completed per the approved building consent and associated plans, specifications and documents
- it confirms that the project has been constructed following the building code and all required inspections have been carried out.
Where a compliance schedule is needed, we must be satisfied that the specified systems in the building can meet the performance standards set out in the building consent.
How to apply for a compliance certificate
To apply for a code compliance certificate provide the following to us:
- a completed application on prescribed form F006 - Code compliance certificate for building consents (PDF file, 140KB), per the Building Act 2004
- as-built plans, drawings, specifications and inspections for the building work that provide sufficient detail to show that the work was carried out per the building consent, including any approved minor variations or granted amendments
- other documents from those who carried out the work
- a copy of your certificate of title (less than 90 days old)
- certificates relating to energy work (if applicable)
- a current manufacturer’s certificate (if applicable).
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.
Issuing a code compliance certificate
- We will decide whether to issue or refuse a code compliance certificate within 20 working days of receipt of all required information.
- We will engage an expert to assess your application to make sure the completed dam complies with the building code.
- If further information is needed from you, the statutory consent processing timeframe will be suspended until the additional information is provided.
If we are satisfied on reasonable grounds that the building work complies with the approved building consent, we will issue your code compliance certificate.
If we are not satisfied on reasonable grounds that the building work complies with the approved building consent, we will refuse to issue your code compliance certificate.
Your ongoing responsibilities as a dam owner
As the owner of a large dam, you need to meet the Building (Dam Safety) Regulations 2022.
You need to submit a dam classification certificate to us. If your dam has a medium or high impact classification, you need to submit a dam safety management plan and annual dam compliance certificate.
See our guidance on meeting your dam safety responsibilities.
Managing alterations, use, and compliance for your dam
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.
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.
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.
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.
Delays in completing your build
If you're unable to complete your building work and apply for a code compliance certificate within 24 months of your building consent being granted, you can request an extension for the decision deadline on issuing or refusing the certificate.
We will agree to an extension request if we are confident, on reasonable grounds, that the completed building work will still meet the building code.
If we decline your request for an extension, we may refuse to issue a code compliance certificate.
Email buildingconsents@ecan.govt.nz with your extension request and reasons why you need the extension within 24 months.
