Building work exempt from building consent

Updated building consent exemptions

From 31 August 2020 new types of building consent exemptions will be added to the Building Act.

Updated building consent exemptions.

*** Please note: for information about repairs and building work to remediate flood damage caused by the August 2022 rain event go to nelson.govt.nz/building-consents-and-the-2022-weather-event 

The Building Act 2004 Schedule 1 details the type of work that does not require a building consent. There is a guide "Building work that does not require a building consent" produced by MBIE to explain schedule 1 and provide examples.  The guide is available on the MBIE website.

Schedule 1 (clauses 1 – 43, excluding clause 2)

No application is required for work that is exempt by Building Act 2004 Schedule 1, (except clause 2) but you can choose to notify Council so that your property file maintains a record of the work that has been done, by submitting a TAM 001 notification (236KB DOCX) to Council.  Notification will be recorded on the property file upon receipt of the appropriate fee; the notification is not assessed for accuracy.  Refer to Building fees and charges.

Please be aware you may still require a resource consent.

Schedule 1, clause 2 - Territorial and regional authority discretionary exemptions

You will need to apply for a discretionary exemption before any building work is started:

Refer to Building fees and charges for information regarding fees for exemptions.

Council will consider the exemption and once a decision is made, you will receive a refusal or acceptance letter.

The letter is saved and referenced on the application.  The completed application is then placed on the property file.