14.5 Plinths
This exemption recognises that plinths usually involve specific engineering design because of the need to support heavy loads (eg tanks, mechanical items like printing presses and metal working machines, or large statues).
Legally required professional: Chartered Professional Engineer.
What the law says
Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004
Exemption 40. Plinths
Building work in connection with any plinth or similar foundation if the plinth or foundation supports plant, a tank, equipment, machinery, or any similar item.
How it works
This exemption recognises that plinths usually involve specific engineering design because of the need to support heavy loads (for example, tanks, mechanical items like printing presses and metal working machines, or large statues).
It acknowledges the fact that requiring a building consent when the plinth has already been designed by a Chartered Professional Engineer would add compliance costs (which are usually disproportionate to the construction costs) for little benefit.
For removal of plinths, please refer to section 1.4 Removal of building element (exemption 31).
What is exempt
- A company constructs a plinth (designed by a Chartered Professional Engineer) for a tank.
- A company plans to build a concrete base to support heavy machinery in a plant room. The base design has been reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer.
What needs consent
- An owner wants to construct a reinforced concrete base (not designed or reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer) for several stainless steel holding vats in a winery. A building consent is required because the design was neither designed nor reviewed by a Chartered Professional Engineer.