Amendments
What constitutes an Amendment?
An amendment is a minor change to the already consented plans ie: moving of an internal door position, minor bracing change. Basically anything that does not extend the floor area of the original plans, and that does not either alter compliance with the building code performance, or structural integrity of the building. Adding a fireplace to the floorplan of a new dwelling can also be classed as an amendment.
There are two ways an amendment can be handled by council.
Easy, on site Changes, not requiring a formal amendment. These can be discussed and agreed on site with the building inspector. They are of a very minor nature, and can be required due to material availability, a customers requirement to change things around during the building etc. As a rule, these changes will not be interfering with building code performance, structural performance, and require no changes in basic area specification – e.g. changing a bedroom into a bathroom.
These changes must be recorded by the Building Official.
Formal Amendments will be required for changes in materials that change building code performance, structural performance, size, footprint, height, position etc of the building. These changes will require that the changes are assessed for compliance to the building code and planning rules. The applicant/builder will need to supply all the relevant details for the intended change(s) – like a building consent – for assessment. During this assessment, the decision will be made as to whether this is an amendment, or if the changes are so significant that a new Building consent will need to be applied for.
Application Forms - look for Application Form for Amended Plans
New Building Consent Required.
If the proposed changes are significant. A new Building Consent will be required. During assessment the council will consider
- Do the changes conflict with the PIM already issued
- Is there a significant lapse of time between the PIM issued and this application
- Has the building envelope changed
- Are there any new hazards
If the answer to any of these questions is Yes, then a new PIM and BC will be required.
You will be informed by the building team whether a new building consent is required, and the next steps to take, if required.
Costs
There is a fixed fee for lodging an amended plan – see the consolidated Fees and Charges schedule.
If the changes also increase the building project value from that already stated on the original building consent, and the original consent was over $20,000, then the change in project value should be stated, as BRANZ and DBH levies will be chargeable on the increased value. If the change/amendment results in a drop in project value, you are entitled to a refund on these levies.
Processing Time.
The statutory time for processing an amendment is the same as for a building consent, 20 working days. In order to achieve this, please supply all the relevant documentation, copies of plans and specifications required, as with a normal building consent.
Page created/updated: 6 January 2009 at 1:26 pm - Go to top
