The following scenarios are to help identify whether a building consent is required, or if the work may be considered exempt for the need for Consent.
Tiled Showers
Within an existing dwelling for which Code Compliance Certificate has been issued:
Scenario 1: An existing shower is replaced with new internal linings, tanking membrane and is tiled
- Building work may be exempt under Schedule 1 section 12 of the Building Act 2004.
- All building work must comply with the Building Code and other relevant legislation.
- Building consent is required if you modify the structure, for example creating a recessed floor in a concrete slab, or change timber framing (walls or joists).
Scenario 2: An additional shower (acrylic or tiled) is proposed, including additional sanitary fixture/s
- Due to an increase in the total number of sanitary fixtures a building consent is required.
Scenario 3: An additional shower (acrylic or tiled) has been installed including additional sanitary fixture/s without consent
- A Building Consent was required.
- A Certificate of Acceptance (COA) must be applied for when Consent was required but was not sought.
- The Council will consider the documentation and evidence provided to determine whether there is adequate evidence of compliance with the Building Code, before deciding to issue or refuse the application.
Within a dwelling that has an issued Building Consent, but Code Compliance Certificate is not yet issued.
Scenario 4: Changing a proposed acrylic shower (or non-tiled) to a tiled shower.
An amendment to Building Consent is required. Unless:
- an existing tiled shower was included in the Consent. Eg: a tiled shower was proposed for an ensuite and the acrylic shower in the main bathroom is being changed to tile.
- In this example an additional tiled shower can be can be processed as an onsite minor variation if the preline inspection hasn’t taken place, or an in office minor variation if additional inspections will be required.
If the above scenarios are not relevant to your situation, contact the Building Unit.
Special notes:
- All building work, whether it needs a building consent or is exempt, must still comply with the Building Code and other relevant legislation.
- The building owner is responsible for determining whether or not the proposed building work is exempt (does not require a building consent) and for making sure that all building work complies with the Building Code.
Supporting Information:
Schedule 1 - Building work for which building consent not required
Part 1 - Exempted building work
Clause 12. Internal linings and finishes in existing dwelling
Building work in connection with any internal linings or finishes of any wall, ceiling, or floor of an existing dwelling.
Part 2
Clause 35. Alteration to existing sanitary plumbing (excluding water heaters)
(1) Alteration to existing sanitary plumbing in a building, provided that—
- (a) the total number of sanitary fixtures in the building is not increased by the alteration; and
- (b) the alteration does not modify or affect any specified system.
Source: (2024, November 26). Building Act 2004. New Zealand Legislation.
https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2004/0072/latest/whole.html#DLM306036
Determination 2024/054:
“As the building is an existing dwelling, and the scope of work involves the removal of the existing linings and installation of new ones, the work to install the wet area membrane falls within the scope of clause 12 of schedule 1.”
Source: (2024, October 2). Determination 2024/054