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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2022/014: Authority’s decision not to issue a notice to fix for earthworks and a retaining wall

This determination considers whether the authority was correct to refuse to issue a notice to fix for site works that occurred over a period of years. The determination also considers the compliance of the work and status of the developer as a specified person.

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2022/013: Authority’s refusal to grant a building consent for the construction of a dwelling

This determination considers whether the authority was correct to refuse to grant a building consent. The determination considers whether sufficient information was included in the building consent application.

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2022/008: Compliance of a timber retaining wall with Building Code clauses B1 Structure and E1 Surface Water that provide protection of other property

This determination considers whether building work to construct a new retaining wall close to the boundary between two properties complies with Building Code clauses B1 Structure and E1 Surface water that have the purpose of protecting other property.

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2022/005: Compliance of building work with Building Code clauses B1 Structure and E1 Surface Water, that provide protection of other property

This determination considers whether building work to construct an extension to an existing deck, a new retaining wall, and other structures along a boundary between two properties, comply with Building Code Clauses B1 Structure and E1 Surface Water that provide for the protection of other property.

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2022/003: Compliance of proposed alterations to a dwelling by way of Acceptable Solutions B1/AS1 and E2/AS3

This determination considers whether two items of proposed building work comply with the relevant Acceptable Solutions. Item 1 concerns reinforcing bars to reinforce a concrete floor slab and whether the proposal complies with Acceptable Solution B1/AS1 for Building Code Clause B1 Structure. Item 2 concerns the use of a damp-proof membrane as waterproofing for a 1060mm high retaining wall and whether the proposal complies with Acceptable Solution E2/AS3 for Building Code Clause E2 External Moisture.

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2022/002: Regarding compliance of as-built timber retaining walls with the Building Code as it relates to the protection of other property

This determination considers whether the construction of timber retaining walls complies with Building Code clauses B1 Structure and F5 Construction and Demolition Hazards as they relate to the protection of other property.

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2021/028: Regarding the decision to issue a code compliance certificate for building work to re-pile an existing house

This determination considers whether the authority were correct to issue a code compliance certificate for the building work to partially re-pile an existing house. The determination considers whether the building work can be considered as a minor variation.

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2021/020: Regarding the refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for 23-year old alterations to a residential dwelling

This determination considers whether an authority was correct to refuse to issue a code compliance certificate for a building consent granted in 1998 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, E1 Surface Water, and E2 External Moisture that applied in 1998.

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2021/008: Regarding the authority's decision to issue a code compliance certificate for a new dwelling

This determination considers whether an authority was correct to issue a code compliance certificate for a new dwelling. The determination considers whether the building is compliant, and whether the authority would have been aware of any non-compliance when issuing the code compliance certificate.

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2021/007: Regarding the code compliance of a frameless glass balustrade on a house

This determination considers the code compliance of a frameless cantilevered glass balustrade. The balustrade panels comprise a laminate of two toughened-glass panes with a plastic interlayer. Concerns about compliance of the balustrade were raised when the interlayer did not prevent a panel from collapsing when the glass was broken.

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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: