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.

You can also search for Determinations on Building CodeHub

Find a determination

Applying filters will narrow down your search results

Find a determination

Search results

74 Determinations match your query
Show detailed results

2020/004: Regarding the compliance of a pool barrier consisting of an automatic cover and the decision to issue a code compliance certificate for the

Note (added 11/08/2022): Please note that this determination incorrectly refers to section 450A of the Building Act 2004 as a compliance pathway for the pool barrier in this determination. The acceptable solution provided for in section 450A was revoked by way of Gazette notice on 27 April 2017. As the determination does not conclude that the pool barrier was compliant via the acceptable solution in section 450A, the outcome of the determination is not affected.

This determination considers the authority’s decision to issue a code compliance certificate for an automatic pool cover as a pool barrier. The determination discusses whether a special exemption was granted under the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 and the compliance of the automatic pool cover as a pool barrier with Clause F4 Safety from falling as the relevant Building Code clause at the time the building consent was issued.

About this document

2020/001: Regarding the compliance of a pool barrier to the extent required by section 162C of the Building Act

Note (added 11/08/2022): Please note that this determination incorrectly refers to section 450A of the Building Act 2004 as a compliance pathway for the pool barrier in this determination. The acceptable solution provided for in section 450A was revoked by way of Gazette notice on 27 April 2017. As the determination does not conclude that the pool barrier was compliant via the acceptable solution in section 450A, the outcome of the determination is not affected.

This determination considers the compliance of an existing pool barrier to the extent required under section 162C of the Building Act. The matter turns on whether the area enclosed by the pool barrier can properly be considered the "immediate pool area" and whether the doors opening into the immediate pool area comply.

About this document

2019/066: The refusal to issue a code compliance certificate in respect of two sides of an above-ground pool acting as the pool barrier

This determination considers the authority’s purported refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for two sides of an above-ground pool acting as the pool barrier, which were not constructed in accordance with the building consent.  The determination discusses the compliance of the pool walls as a pool barrier with Clause F4 Safety from falling as the relevant Building Code clause at the time the building consent was issued.

About this document

2019/052: Regarding the compliance of a pool barrier to the extent required by section 162C of the Building Act for an indoor pool

Note (added 11/08/2022): Please note that this determination incorrectly refers to section 450A of the Building Act 2004 as a compliance pathway for the pool barrier in this determination. The acceptable solution provided for in section 450A was revoked by way of Gazette notice on 27 April 2017. As the determination does not conclude that the pool barrier was compliant via the acceptable solution in section 450A, the outcome of the determination is not affected.

This determination considers the compliance of an indoor pool barrier to the extent required by section 162C of the Building Act.  The barrier incorporates bifold doors and a sliding door.  The determination discusses the compliance requirement in relation to an indoor pool that was exempt from having a barrier under the former Fencing of Swimming Pools Act and the means by which compliance can be established.

About this document

2019/038: Regarding the compliance of a 23-year-old pool fence

Note (added 11/08/2022): Please note that this determination incorrectly refers to section 450A of the Building Act 2004 as a compliance pathway for the pool barrier in this determination. The acceptable solution provided for in section 450A was revoked by way of Gazette notice on 27 April 2017. As the determination does not conclude that the pool barrier was compliant via the acceptable solution in section 450A, the outcome of the determination is not affected.

This determination considers the compliance of a trellis fence with the provisions of the Building Act that require the restriction of access by unsupervised young children to the swimming pool or immediate pool area.  The trellis has gaps up to 45mm high x 40mm wide and was installed with the horizontal slats on the outside face of the fence.

About this document

2019/031:Regarding the compliance of a pool barrier with adjacent palm trees

Note (added 11/08/2022): Please note that this determination incorrectly refers to section 450A of the Building Act 2004 as a compliance pathway for the pool barrier in this determination. The acceptable solution provided for in section 450A was revoked by way of Gazette notice on 27 April 2017. As the determination does not conclude that the pool barrier was compliant via the acceptable solution in section 450A, the outcome of the determination is not affected.

This determination is in relation to a pool barrier that has mature palm trees outside of and adjacent to it. The determination concerns the barrier’s compliance with the Building Code to the extent required by section 162C of the Building Act.

About this document

2019/026: Regarding the compliance of a pool barrier to the extent required by section 162C of the Building Act

Note (added 11/08/2022): Please note that this determination incorrectly refers to section 450A of the Building Act 2004 as a compliance pathway for the pool barrier in this determination. The acceptable solution provided for in section 450A was revoked by way of Gazette notice on 27 April 2017. As the determination does not conclude that the pool barrier was compliant via the acceptable solution in section 450A, the outcome of the determination is not affected.

This determination considers the compliance of a pool barrier made up of walls and doors of a building that was subject to an exemption under the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act. The determination considers whether the barrier complies to the extent required by section 162C of the Act. 

About this document

2019/025: Regarding the compliance of an infinity pool and whether to grant a waiver in relation to the means of restricting access

This determination considers the compliance of a residential pool with an infinity edge and balance tank with regard to the requirement for a physical barrier to restrict access by unsupervised young children.  The determination also considers whether the installation of an alarm would achieve the performance requirements in Clause F9 and whether it is appropriate to grant a waiver.

About this document

2019/019: Regarding the code-compliance of a proposed residential pool barrier

This determination considers whether the barrier to a swimming pool complies with Clause F9 – Means of restricting access to residential pools of the Building Code. This includes an assessment of the compliance of sliding doors that form part of the barrier to the swimming pool.

About this document

2019/008: Regarding the code-compliance of a proposed pool barrier

This determination considers the compliance of a proposed pool barrier with Clause F9 – Means of restricting access to residential pools of the Building Code. The determination considers whether the area enclosed by the proposed pool barrier should be included within the immediate pool area.

About this document

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: