Permits you need to build a house extension in Christchurch

Most homeowners taking on a renovation don’t look forward to obtaining building permits and council consent, but the reality is these regulations are in place to keep New Zealanders safe and ensure our building quality is maintained to a high standard. 

Do I need a permit to build a house extension in Christchurch?

According to the Building Act 2004, there are plenty of home renovations you can execute in Christchurch without needing council consent. Building an extension isn’t one. (Extensions are typically classified as attached additions to an existing home structure. Single-storey detached buildings can be built without building consent).

If your proposed home extension is too close or could potentially encroach on your property boundaries, resource consent may be necessary as well; there are both height and lateral boundaries that need to be considered.  

Types of permits for home renovations 

Building consent

A building consent confirms that a construction project complies with the Building Code, a set of regulatory standards put in place to ensure Christchurch buildings are structurally sound, fire safe, weathertight, and accessible.

Resource consent

A formal approval for when a renovation project doesn’t meet district plan rules or is required by the district plan to obtain resource consent. 

The application process

Getting started is fairly straightforward since you can submit your application online. You can also apply in person or by post; however, applying online streamlines the process and could potentially speed your application along. Here’s what you’ll need to include in your application:

Your building consent application checklist

• Proof of ownership. This can be either a lease, sale agreement, certificate of title, or other documentation that shows the full legal name of the building owners. 
• All applicable plans, specs, and supporting documents that demonstrate the proposed building’s code compliance. 
• Relevant resource consents and PIMs. 
• Optional if applicable: water connection application or staged building work approval letter.
• Applications can be quite technical, considering you must include accurate drawings and information, so we recommend engaging a professional for your home extension if you’re unfamiliar with the process. 
• A deposit

Once your application has been successfully lodged, all that’s left to do is wait either for approval or a request for information (RFI). At the time of writing, the processing timeframe was approximately eight days. Click here for up-to-date wait times.

Reasons you may trigger an RFI

• Essential information is missing from your application. 
• Planning issues haven’t been identified. 
• Lack of supporting documentation for products. 

Code compliance: the final step

While building and resource consent must be applied for prior to beginning your renovation, a code compliance certificate (CCC) must be obtained when construction is complete. A CCC confirms your project’s end result complies with the work proposed in the building consent. Failure to obtain a proper CCC could lead to increased home insurance rates and difficulty selling your property if you choose to do so in the future. 

This is another form that can easily be submitted online, with options to apply by post or in person. Once your application is received, the council aims to have a decision delivered within 20 working days. If an RFI is needed, that timeframe will pause, and resume again once you send the necessary documents, so it’s in everyone’s best interests for you to be diligent the first time-round. 

Sound like too much work? We’ll take care of it!

Our comprehensive approach to home renovations includes arranging council documentation, so there’s no need to worry about red tape-induced headaches! Get in touch with a local Christchurch Renovation Consultant and get started with a free consultation.