A CoA provides a limited assurance that we are satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that unconsented building work complies with the current New Zealand Building Code.
You can apply for a CoA only if building work was constructed without a building consent from 1 July 1992 onwards, or in specific circumstances, when a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) cannot be issued.
A CoA may be issued for building works in the following circumstances:
when urgent work is carried out to protect life or health, or prevent serious damage to property, and it is not practical to obtain a building consent in advance
when a building consent authority (that is not a territorial authority or regional authority) or an organisation accredited to the BCA regulations is unable or refuses to issue a CCC for work carried out under a building consent.
Before you apply for a CoA, we recommend you apply for and attend a CoA pre-application meeting. This is not mandatory and is recommended.
The purpose of the meeting is to determine whether:
a project information memorandum (PIM) is required (this document contains planning and building advice)
a building consent is required (note that some building work is exempt from requiring a building consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act)
resource consent is required (all work must comply with the Unitary Plan. If resource consent is required then this must be obtained first)
To request a CoA pre-application meeting, visit our request pre-application guidance page.
When we confirm your CoA pre-application meeting, we may request additional information or documents. You should provide these at least three working days before the meeting.
| Description | Fee |
|---|---|
| Project value up to $19,999 – Base fee (not refundable, additional charges may apply) | $1403 |
| Project value $20,000 and over – Base fee (not refundable, additional charges may apply) | $2339 |
You can apply for a CoA for all or part of a building, but you need to supply as much information as possible in relation to the work that has been done.
Read the information on how we assess unauthorised building work.
Attach the applicable lodgement checklist with your application.
You may also need to provide evidence from a professional to help us assess how the work complies with the New Zealand Building Code. This is particularly important for building work we cannot inspect, such as foundations.
If you have attended a pre-application meeting, you will need to submit the meeting minutes with your application.
Visit Ways to pay online for information on all payment options.
We only accept online applications for this certificate. If you are unable to apply digitally, visit one of our libraries with council services for assistance in making your online application.
Call us on 09 301 0101 to speak with our building and planning help desk if you have questions regarding your application.
We can take up to 20 working days to assess your CoA application.
We will let you know by email if your CoA is approved or declined.
It is an offence to carry out building work for which you need a building consent before you get a building consent.
A CoA cannot be issued for unauthorised work undertaken before 1 July 1992.
Any building work we cannot verify as complying with the building code will be listed on the Certificate of Acceptance as exclusions.
If you can't demonstrate compliance with the building code, we may refuse to issue a CoA, and you may also need to remove the building work.
Issuing a CoA for unauthorised building work does not limit us from taking further enforcement action.
