Apply for a building consent
Our Guide to getting a building consent (Form 558) is essential reading for anyone planning a building project or applying for a consent. An application pack is available on request.
Before you apply
Three things to check before starting your application.
1. Check if you need consent
Not all building work requires consent. Find out whether your project needs approval and what rules apply.
2. Get your documents ready
You'll need plans and supporting documents for your project. Find out what to prepare before applying.
3. Check the fees
Fees depend on your project and the work involved. Find out what your application may cost before getting started.
How to apply
Sign in or create an account in My Kāpiti using your email address.
Complete your application and upload your plans and supporting documents.
Submit your application through the online portal.
You can manage and track your application through My Kāpiti. If someone is applying on your behalf, you can also receive updates as the property owner.
Using an agent or designer? If an agent submits your application on your behalf, you'll be added to the account as the property owner. You'll be able to track progress and receive copies of any requests for further information sent to your agent.
What happens after you apply?
Once you've submitted your application, we'll check that we have the information needed to begin assessing it.
Application submitted – You or your agent submits the application online.
Completeness check – We check that the required information has been provided. This is not a technical assessment.
More information requested (if needed) – If anything is missing, we'll ask you or your agent to provide it.
Application accepted for processing – Once your application is complete, we can accept it for formal processing.
Applying for a Project Information Memorandum (PIM)?
You can also apply for a PIM at the same time as your building consent.
Additional information
There are a number of ways you can support your consent application. One way is to include a producer statement, which is a professional opinion based on sound judgement that accompanies a design. Note that this is not a product warranty or guarantee of compliance.
While Schedule 1 of the Building Act provides for some exemptions from building consent, all work must still comply with other legislation, including:
Building Code
Resource Management Act 1991
Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 1976
Electricity Act 1992
Health Act 1956
relevant bylaws.
When you apply for a building consent, you must decide whether or not the work that is exempt is to be included as part of the consent application. If it is not included, that work will not be inspected or receive a Code Compliance Certificate.
Building consent fees are set by the Kāpiti Coast District Council under the Building Act. They are reviewed annually.
BRANZ levies apply to all work valued at $20,000 or more and are set at $1.00 per $1,000 or part. MBIE levies apply to all work valued at $20,444 or more and are set at $1.75 per $1,000 or part. Where the consent is staged the payable levy is assessed on the total project value.
A fee is charged for processing Amendments to a Building Consent. If the amendment alters the value of a project as a whole, there may also be an adjustment to the BRANZ and MBIE levies.
Need help?
Our Building team can help if you have questions about your application or need assistance using the online portal.
Call 0800 486 486 to speak with our team.