Previous determinations

Determinations are made by MBIE on matters of doubt or dispute to do with building work. Rulings are legally binding, but only in relation to each case.

Previous determinations may provide some useful guidance for those faced with similar problems, but note that individual circumstances may vary.

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2024/010: The decision to issue a notice to fix for sitework required to avoid the likelihood of damage to other property.

This determination considers the authority's decision to issue a notice to fix for siteworks carried out on 16A, 16B and 16C Gilfillan Street. The notice was issued for non-compliance with Building Code Clause B1.3.6. in relation to the requirement to avoid likelihood of damage to other property, being 14 and 14A Gilfillan Street.

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2024/009: Regarding The issue of a code compliance certificate for a detached dwelling and outbuilding

This determination was sought by the building consent authority to reverse a code
compliance certificate that was issued in error. The code compliance certificate
includes building work that had not been constructed.

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2024/008: Regarding Whether a timber barrier to a retaining wall complies with Building Code clauses F4.3.1 and F4.3.4

This determination considers whether a timber barrier to a retaining wall complies with Building Code clauses F4.3.1 and F4.3.4(b), (e) and (g). The determination also assesses whether the Limit on Application of F4.3.1 applies to the as‐built structure.

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2024/007: An authority's refusal to grant building consent for a new dwelling, and compliance of a proposed foundation design with Clause B1 Structure

This determination considers an authority’s decision to refuse to grant an application for a building consent for the construction of a new dwelling. The determination considers the authority’s reasons for the refusal, and whether the proposed timber piled foundation design complies with Building Code Clause B1 Structure.

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2024/006: The refusal to issue a certificate of acceptance for building work associated with a dwelling

This determination considers the authority's refusal to issue a certificate of acceptance for building work associated with a dwelling, that was carried out without building consent. The authority considered that Building Code clauses B1 Structure, B2 Durability, E2 External Moisture, G2 Laundering, G9 Electricity, G12 Water Supplies and H1 Energy Efficiency were not met. The determination considers the reasons for refusal set out in the authority’s refusal letter and subsequent report.

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2024/005: The authority’s decision to issue a code compliance certificate for a swimming pool

The determination considers the decision to issue a code compliance certificate for a swimming pool that required a barrier to restrict access by unsupervised young children. This determination considers the compliance of a pool barrier in relation to clause F4 of the Building Code that was in force at the time the building consent was granted.

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2024/004: Regarding the refusal to carry out a final inspection and issue a code compliance certificate for a 22-year-old house

This determination considers an authority's decision to refuse to issue a Code Compliance Certificate for a building consent granted in 2000 under the former Building Act 1991. The determination will discuss the reasons given by the authority for the refusal, and how they relate to Building Code clauses B1 Structure, B2 Durability, E2 External moisture that applied in 2000.

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2024/003: Whether three buildings are backcountry huts

This determination considers whether, for the purpose of compliance with the Building Code, three buildings meet the definition of 'backcountry hut' in Clause A2 Interpretation. The determination considers if the buildings are intended to provide overnight shelter to any person who may visit and who carries his or her own food, bedding, clothing, and outdoor equipment.

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2024/002: The issue of a notice to fix for building work on an existing building’s foundation

This determination relates to a notice to fix where the authority considered that building work had been undertaken without a building consent and not in accordance with the building code, breaching Sections 40 and 17 of the Building Act 2004. The determination considers whether the building work was exempt from the requirement to obtain building consent, and discusses the remedies provided for in the notice.

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2024/001: Regarding the issue of a dangerous and affected building notice for a residential dwelling

This determination considers an authority's decision in issuing a dangerous and affected building notice for a dwelling. The determination considers the status of the building at the time the notice was issued and takes into account all the information that is now available.

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This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: