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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2024/005: 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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2023/032: Regarding the compliance of a pool barrier with adjacent pole

Concerns whether a pool barrier with a shade‐sail pole on the outside of, and within close proximity to, the pool barrier complies with Building Code Clause F9.3.3 and the matter will turn on whether the shade sail pole is a ‘permanent object or projection on the outside of the pool barrier’ that could ‘assist young children in negotiating the barrier’ as set out in Clause F9.3.3 of the Building Code

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2023/028: Regarding the compliance of a pool barrier with section 162C of the Building Act 2004

This determination considers whether a metal pool barrier, with surrounding vegetation and gaps which are larger than 100mm, complies with section 162C of the Building Act. The determination discusses the various pathways to compliance, including the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987, clause F4 of the Building Code applicable at the time pool was constructed, clause F9 of the current Building Code and Acceptable Solution F9/AS1.

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2023/026: Regarding the compliance of a pool barrier with section 162C of the Building Act 2004

This determination considers whether a section of a residential pool barrier complies with section 162C of the Building Act 2004. In making this decision, the determination will consider the gaps in the metal fencing that forms part of the barrier as well as the hedging planted on the outside.

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2023/024: Regarding the authority's proposed decision to refuse to issue a building consent in respect of the location of a pool barrier.

This determination considers the authority's proposed decision to refuse to issue a building consent for a pool house as compliance with clause F9 of the Building Code, Restricting access to residential pools, had not been demonstrated due to the lack of a barrier between the pool house and pool. The determination considers whether a pool house with bathroom, gym, changing facilities, kitchen/bar, lounge and roof deck, as well as rear patio area can be considered part of the immediate pool area.

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2023/022: Regarding the compliance of an existing pool barrier with section 162C and consideration of a waiver or modification.

This determination discusses whether a pool barrier with surrounding vegetation complies with section 162C of the Building Act. It discusses the various pathways for compliance including the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 and clauses F4 and F9 of the Building Code. The determination also considers whether a waiver or modification is appropriate in the circumstances.

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2023/002: Regarding the compliance of a pool barrier located close to a property boundary with Clause F9

This determination considers whether a proposed pool barrier near a property boundary complies with Building Code Clause F9. The determination looks at the requirements of the Acceptable Solution F9/AS1 as it relates to pool barriers near property boundaries and whether future changes a neighbour maybe a factor when considering Building Code compliance of the pool barrier.

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2023/001: Regarding the compliance of specific elements of a swimming pool barrier

This determination considers elements of a pool barrier and their compliance with section 162C of the Building Act 2004. Those elements were constructed, installed, or erected prior to s162C coming into force, as part of a wider set of alterations at the property.

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2022/030: Refusal to issue amendments to building consent regarding the location of a pool barrier

This determination considers whether the authority was correct to refuse to issue two amendments to the building consent regarding a pool barrier. The amendments were refused as compliance with Clause F9 of the Building Code, Means of restricting access to residential pools, had not been demonstrated. The determination considers whether a pavilion, patio and soft landscaping area can be considered part of the 'immediate pool area'.

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2022/025: Regarding the compliance of an existing pool barrier under section 162C

This determination considers an existing swimming pool barrier, comprised partly of the south wall of a dwelling and a garage wall, and whether it complies with section 162C of the Building Act 2004. The determination also discusses whether the doors on the south wall of a dwelling were included in an exemption granted under the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987. The determination also considers whether the area encompassed by the south wall of a dwelling (the rear yard) can be considered to comprise the immediate pool area.

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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: