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Solid fuel heaters burn wood, coal, wood pellets or similar material.
Whakauruhia he ahi tahu wahie Install solid fuel heating
Why you need consent
If you want to install, replace or relocate any appliance that contains fire (new or second-hand), you will need a building consent.
If you do not have a building consent, you may have problems with your insurance if there is a fire in your building.
You do not usually need a resource consent to install solid fuel heating. However, you might need resource consent if you live in a:
- historic heritage place or
- 'special character area' under the heritage schedules.
Download the Special Character Schedule, Statement and Maps [PDF 1.7MB] from the Auckland Unitary Plan to find out if you live in a 'special character area'.
Visit Heritage advice and consenting process for more information.
Get a copy of our application guide
What you need to do to install solid fuel heating
If you are installing a wood burner or indoor fire, the appliance must comply with the Ministry for the Environment's National environmental standards for air quality.
The manufacturer of the solid fuel heating appliance can advise you which appliances comply with these regulations and standards.
If you are just maintaining your current appliance, including replacing the firebricks or the flue, you do not need a building consent.
Approved solid fuel heating appliances
All solid fuel heating appliances must be tested and show compliance with the NES emission and efficiency standards.
It is illegal to use any wood burner that was installed after 1 September 2005 (on a site less than 2ha) that does not comply with this standard.
A list of approved appliances is available on the Ministry for Environment website.
Installing a solid fuel heating appliance
If the installation is not done by a council-approved producer statement author, you will need to book a solid fuel appliance inspection to show that the work complies with the consent documentation.
If you are using a producer statement author to install your solid fuel heating, in addition to applying for a building consent, you will also need to:
- complete an agreement to provide a producer statement, and
- submit the producer statement to us after the installation is complete.
Installing an outdoor fireplace
You do not need a building consent if your outdoor fireplace or oven meets all of the following requirements:
- it is built on the ground
- it is not covered by a roof or walls
- it is no more than 2.5 metres high with a cooking surface no larger than 1 square metre
- it is at least 1 metre from any building or boundary
- smoke and fumes are released in a way that does not cause a nuisance or hazard to people and property.
You will need a building consent if your outdoor fireplace does not meet these requirements, for example if it is taller, larger or located under a roof.
You may still need a resource consent even if a building consent is not required.
Installing a wetback will always need a building consent
If you are installing a wetback A copper pipe that runs from the back of a fireplace to a hot water cylinder. Water is heated by the fire to reduce the need for water to be heated by electricity. you will need to:
- apply for a building consent
- show the details of the installation and pipework on your plans.
You will need to book a solid fuel appliance inspection to check the installation complies with the consent documentation.
Although we inspect the installation, you need to make sure it is carried out by:
- a certifying plumber, or
- a registered or licensed plumber under the supervision of a certifying plumber.
Solid fuel heating consent fees
Once work is completed you will need to apply for a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC). All CCC applications, including fixed fee consents, will be subject to additional charges for processing (excludes subsidised applications).
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Solid fuel heating appliance fixed fee (not refundable) installed by an approved installer offering a producer statement | $327 |
| Solid fuel heating appliance fixed fee (not refundable) installed by a person who is not an approved installer and includes one inspection deposit fee (cost for inspection activities) | Fixed fee of $327 plus inspection deposit fee of $195 |
| Solid fuel heating appliance with wetback includes fixed fee (not refundable) and one inspection deposit (cost for inspection activities) | Fixed fee of $327 plus inspection deposit of $195 |
The installer must be listed on our producer statement authors register.
How to apply for a consent to install solid fuel heating
An approved installer can apply for the building consent on your behalf. You will need to give the approved installer written authority to act on your behalf.
Apply online
You must complete and upload this document with your online application:
You will need to login to complete the online application and pay by Visa, MasterCard, Online EFTPOS or Account2Account (bank transfer).
If you are unable to apply online
We only accept online applications for this service. 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.
What happens next
We process the solid fuel heating applications within 20 working days.
We will let you know the decision by email.