Project Information Memorandum (PIM)

What is a PIM?

A PIM is a report we prepare that contains information about special features of the land and existing utility services (like water, gas and sewage) on your property.

A PIM also includes information about other approvals you might need for your building project, such as:

• resource consents
• Heritage New Zealand approvals
• development contributions, if they apply.

A PIM is optional. You are not required to apply for a PIM when you apply for a building consent, but it could help speed-up the process.

When you should get a PIM

You can apply for a PIM any time before you complete your application for a resource consent or building consent.

The best time to apply for a PIM is before starting design work, so we can give you accurate information about the consents and approvals you may need.

What a PIM includes

A PIM includes information on special land features and required approvals, including:

• erosion and land collapse or movement
• falling debris
• subsidence (sinking of the ground)
• slippage (surface movement)
• alluvion (silt deposits after flooding)
• inundation (flooding)
• presence of hazardous contaminants
• information we have been given from statutory organisations, such as Heritage New Zealand or the Department of Conservation
• stormwater or wastewater utility systems related to your proposed building work, or next to your building site
• authorisations we require under other acts, and the requirements and conditions needed to grant them. The most common authorisations are for resource consents required under the Resource Management Act 1991.

A PIM will also include:

• confirmation that you can carry out the building work subject to building consent requirements and all other necessary authorisations
• notification that you can not carry out building work.

Why a PIM is useful

A PIM explains all the consents, approvals and geotechnical reports you need for your consent application.

Having this information to give to your designers and builders makes the application process more efficient.

What you need to apply for a PIM

The more information you give us about your project, the better guidance we can give you.

Examples of the kind of information we need are:

• drawings and plans that have the:
• drawing date, number and title
• designer's name
• address of property
• the location and external dimensions of the proposed and existing buildings
• proposal to dispose of stormwater and wastewater
• precautions you will take if work is proposed close to existing drains, sewers, wells and water mains
• volumes of proposed disturbed earth
• location, dimension and gradient of parking, manoeuvring vehicles and vehicle crossing
• areas with impermeable surfaces (which do not absorb water)
• location and size of outdoor living and service courts
• locations of streams, lakes and wetlands and their protected vegetation
• position of protected trees or vegetation
• height in relation to boundary controls and maximum height controls.

The application should also include:

• approvals from Heritage New Zealand, if applicable
• an accurate project description of all work involved
• evidence of ownership or rights over the property and, if you are not the owner, authorisation to apply for a consent.

We may ask for further information, depending on your building proposal.

PIM fee

Fees are subject to change.

​Apply for a PIM

Include as much information about your project in your PIM application as you can. This way, we can provide more detailed information in you PIM to help you with the consent process.

Online

Visit Ways to pay online for information on all payment options.

​Apply for a PIM

We only accept online applications for building consents. If you cannot apply online, visit one of our libraries with council services for assistance.

Call our building and planning help desk on 09 301 0101 if you have questions about your application.