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

68 Determinations match your query
Show detailed results

2017/086: Refusal to grant exemption from the requirement to obtain a building consent for recladding a house

This determination considers whether the authority was correct to refuse to grant an exemption under Schedule 1(2) for work to reclad a house. The determination also discusses whether the cladding was likely to be exempt from the requirement for a building consent under Schedule 1(1).

About this document

2017/073: Compliance schedule requirements and the classified use of three proposed commercial poultry sheds

The determination considers whether the correct classified use for the proposed poultry sheds is "industrial" or "outbuilding", and whether the operational systems are specified systems and whether a compliance schedule is required.  It also considers whether the requirements for access and facilities for people with disabilities apply to the poultry sheds.

About this document

2017/069: Notice to fix concerning the installation of a solar water heating system

This determination considers a notice to fix issued for the installation of a solar water heating system without building consent being obtained. The matter turns on whether installation of the system including the solar collectors was exempt under Schedule 1.

About this document

2017/067: Notice to fix for three shipping containers transported to site and joined together for use as a shed

This determination considers whether the authority was correct to issue a notice to fix for three modified shipping containers transported to site and joined together to form a shed. The determination considers the definition of "building" and "building work", and discusses the content of the notice to fix.

About this document

2017/065: Notice to fix for building work carried out without building consent in relation to relocated structures

This determination considers the definitions of building under section 8 and building work under section 7, and whether the relocated structure is a building for the purposes of the Building Act. The determination also discusses the particulars of contravention/non-compliance described in the notice to fix with regard to building work carried out without building consent.

About this document

2017/058: Notice to fix and whether a structure on wheels is a building

This determination considers the definitions of building and vehicle under section 8, and whether a structure modified to attach wheels and a drawbar is a building for the purposes of the Building Act. The determination also discusses the particulars of contravention/non-compliance described in the notice to fix.

About this document

2017/015: Grant of a building consent across two allotments

This determination considers the definition of an 'owner' for the purposes of section 75 and whether a section 75 certificate was required on the building consent. The determination discusses whether a building consent can be granted over two allotments to a leaseholder without requiring a section 75 certificate.

About this document

2016/053: Regarding the exemption from the requirement for a building consent for foundation relevelling using expanding resin to a house

This determination considers whether the authority was correct in requiring an application for building consent or whether the proposed building work, to relevel the house foundations by injecting expanding resin, was exempt under Schedule 1.  The determination discusses the whether the expanding resin is a ‘comparable component’ in terms of the foundation system, and whether the proposed building work is a ‘substantial replacement’.

About this document

2016/040: Regarding the grant of a building consent for a modular house, and the use of modules designed locally but prefabricated offshore

Note: The decisions in this Determination were confirmed on appeal to the District Court. See: Auckland Council v S Liaw (District Court, Auckland, 30 June 2017, CIV-2016-004-001575).

Appeal judgment [PDF 188 KB]

This determination considers whether the authority has exercised its powers correctly in granting a building consent for a house design that had a national multiple-use approval and consisted of modules that were manufactured offshore. The determination considers the extent to which the Building Act and its Regulations apply to the prefabricated modules, and discusses the range of information Building Consent Authorities can seek to satisfy themselves that the construction of the prefabricated components will comply with the plans and specifications. 

About this document

2016/039: Regarding the grant of a building consent for a modular house, and the use of modules designed locally but prefabricated offshore

Note: The decisions in this Determination were confirmed on appeal to the District Court. See: Auckland Council v S Liaw (District Court, Auckland, 30 June 2017, CIV-2016-004-001575).

Appeal judgment [PDF 188 KB]

This determination considers whether the authority has exercised its powers correctly in granting a building consent for a house design that had a national multiple-use approval and consisted of modules that were manufactured offshore. The determination considers the extent to which the Building Act and its Regulations apply to the prefabricated modules, and discusses the range of information Building Consent Authorities can seek to satisfy themselves that the construction of the prefabricated components will comply with the plans and specifications.  

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: