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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2024/001: Regarding the issue of a dangerous and affected building notice for a residential dwelling

This determination considers an authority's decision in issuing a dangerous and affected building notice for a dwelling. The determination considers the status of the building at the time the notice was issued and takes into account all the information that is now available.

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2023/043: An authority’s decision to grant a minor variation to a building consent for a change to external wall cladding

This determination considers an authority's decision to grant a minor variation to a building consent regarding the substitution of external wall cladding products. The determination considers the criteria for granting a minor variation, whether the building consent is required to reflect the change in the external wall cladding, and if a new or amended certificate of design work is required

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2023/042: The compliance of a wall made of ponga logs with clauses B1 and B2 of the Building Code

This determination considers whether a wall made of ponga logs, that is located on or near a property boundary, is a 'retaining wall' and a 'building'. It also considers whether the structure complies with Building Code clauses B1 Structure and B2 Durability.

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2023/041: Regarding the compliance of a kitchen ventilation system with G4.3.4 as it relates to the protection of other property

This determination considers whether the installation of a domestic kitchen ventilation system complied with Building Code Clause G4 Ventilation at the time it was installed. The determination considers whether the system’s vent is installed in a way that avoids creating a nuisance to other property in accordance with clause G4.3.4.

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2023/040: An authority’s decision to refuse a waiver or modification for two isolated steps

This determination considers an authority's decision to refuse to grant, by way of building consent, a waiver or modification of Building Code clause D1.3.3(i) to authorise construction of two isolated steps in a retail unit.

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2023/039: Compliance of handrails to an external stair with Clause D1 Access routes

This determination considers whether building work carried out to install two handrails to an external stair to a dwelling complies with Building Code Clause D1 Access routes. The determination considers whether the as-built handrails are "graspable" in accordance with clause D1.3.3(j), and the requirements of the relevant acceptable solution.

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2023/038: The authority's decision to issue a notice to fix for weathertightness remedial work to a 17-year-old building

This determination considers the authority's decision to issue a notice to fix. The matter concerns alleged contraventions with Building Code clause E2 External moisture, building work carried out other than in accordance with a building consent, and the timeframe and remedies in the notice.

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2023/037: The compliance of a waterproof membrane tanking system with Clause E2 of the Building Code

This determination considers whether the tanking system, applied to a blockwork retaining wall on a residential house, complies with the weathertightness requirements of Building Code clause E2 External Moisture.

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2023/036: The issuing of a certificate of acceptance for building work in the roof space of a house

This determination considers an authority’s decision to issue a certificate of acceptance for building work in the roof space of a house. The determination considers whether building consent was required for the building work, as well as how the provisions relating to certificates of acceptance apply.

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2023/035: Whether proposed alterations to a dwelling to replace internal stairs with a lift comply with Clause D1 Access routes

This determination considers whether proposed building work to alter an existing dwelling to replace an internal stair with a lift will comply with Building Code Clause D1 Access routes. The determination considers whether, regardless of the lift, a stair is also required to allow access between floors, to comply with clause D1.3.3(e), when both floors have access to the ground outside.

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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: