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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2017/016: Decision to issue a building consent for repairs to a multi-storey building

This determination is concerned with the compliance of discrete repairs proposed to the top levels of a multi-storey building. The determination considers whether the authority was correct to issue a building consent for that work, and whether the replacement of a related deck membrane was exempt from requiring a building consent.

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2017/013: Refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for 11-year-old additions and alterations to a house

This determination is concerned with the compliance of an 11 year old house. The determination considers the authority’s reasons for refusing to issue the code compliance certificate and whether the house complies with the requirements of the Building Code.

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2016/051: Regarding the refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for a 6-year-old house

This determination is concerned with the compliance of a 6-year-old house. The determination considers the authority’s reasons for refusing the code compliance certificate, and whether the information provided in a building surveyor's report was adequate to establish that the building work complies with the requirements of the Building Code.

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2016/45: Regarding whether a safety net will satisfy Clause F4 Safety from falling, to a timber walkway along the shoreline

This determination considers a raised pedestrian walkway located adjacent a harbour, and the compliance of a horizontal safety net proposed by the authority as a means of satisfying Clause F4 Safety from falling.

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2016/044: Regarding the code-compliance of pool barriers to a swimming pool and including a pool room

This determination discusses the Building Code obligations in Clause F4 for a proposed pool barrier that would include a pool room. The determination considers the area enclosed by the proposed barrier in respect of restricting access of children under the age of six to the immediate pool area as required by Clause F4.3.4(f).

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2016/020: The refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for an 8-year-old house

This determination considers the authority’s decision to refuse to issue a code compliance certificate for a house; the authority’s concerns were chiefly to do with the weathertightness and durability of the exterior envelope. The determination discusses the authority’s reasons for the refusal, and whether there was sufficient evidence of compliance in order to issue a code compliance certificate.

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2016/013: Regarding the refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for an 11-year-old house

This determination considers the authority’s decision to refuse to issue a code compliance certificate: the grounds for the refusal were the authority’s concerns regarding the weathertightness and durability of the exterior envelope, the adequacey of barriers to a deck and stairs, surface water disposal, and a change of use. The determination reviewed the reasons given for the refusal and considered whether the items identified in the refusal comply with the Building Code.

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2015/055: Regarding the code compliance of building work in a new house

This determination considers whether there was sufficient information provided in a building consent application to establish the compliance of the proposed building work, and whether the building work as constructed complies with the Building Code.

2015/053: The refusal to issue a building consent for barriers to a swimming pool

This determination discusses the Building Code obligations in Clause F4.3.5 for a proposed dwelling forming part of a pool barrier. The determination also considers the area enclosed by the proposed building work and an existing pool fence in respect of restricting access of children under the age of six to the immediate pool area as required by Clause F4.3.4

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2015/039: The refusal to issue a compliance certificate and the issue of a notice to fix in respect of compliance of pool barriers to a swimming pool

Discussed whether the proposed pool barrier encompassing “the immediate pool area” complies with Clause F4 of the Building Code with regard to the size of the area and the activities that would take place within it. Other matters discussed whether the building consent would lapse two years after the date on which it was issued.

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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: