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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2023/034: An authority's decision to issue a notice to fix for a change of use of a building

This determination considers an authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix under section 164 of the Building Act 2004. The determination turns on whether there has been a 'change of use' of a building or part of the building for the purposes of the Act.

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2023/033: Regarding the compliance of, and decisions made by an authority in relation to, encroaching building work

This determination considers compliance of building work that encroached across the boundary between two properties with Building Code Clauses B1 Structure, B2 Durability and C3 Fire affecting areas beyond the fire source. The determination also considers the authority’s decisions to grant the original building consent, an amendment to that consent, and subsequent issue of the code compliance certificate, and the authority’s alleged failure to issue a notice to fix.

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2023/032: Regarding the compliance of a pool barrier with adjacent pole

Concerns whether a pool barrier with a shade‐sail pole on the outside of, and within close proximity to, the pool barrier complies with Building Code Clause F9.3.3 and the matter will turn on whether the shade sail pole is a ‘permanent object or projection on the outside of the pool barrier’ that could ‘assist young children in negotiating the barrier’ as set out in Clause F9.3.3 of the Building Code

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2023/031: Decision by an authority to grant a building consent and issue a code compliance certificate for a relocatable dwelling

This determination considers the decision of the authority to grant a building consent and issue a code compliance certificate for a dwelling. The owner is of the view that several aspects of both the design and as-built construction do not comply with various clauses of the Building Code. The main issues relate to the weathertightness and stability of the dwelling.

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2023/030: The issue of a building consent, specifically in regard to three cladding details

This determination considers a building consent for the construction of a dwelling. The matter concerns the details for fixing infill panels that were proposed to be installed above and below windows, and above a garage door and entrance. The determination considers whether those details, as documented in the consent application, would comply with clause E2 External Moisture and B1 Structure, if the building work was constructed in accordance with the building consent.

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2023/029: An authority's refusal of an application for a discretionary exemption from the requirement to obtain a building consent

This determination considers an authority's decision to refuse an application for a discretionary exemption from the requirement to obtain building consent, under clause 2 of Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004. The determination considers the authority’s reasons for refusal, and whether a discretionary exemption can be considered after the building work has been completed.

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2023/028: Regarding the compliance of a pool barrier with section 162C of the Building Act 2004

This determination considers whether a metal pool barrier, with surrounding vegetation and gaps which are larger than 100mm, complies with section 162C of the Building Act. The determination discusses the various pathways to compliance, including the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987, clause F4 of the Building Code applicable at the time pool was constructed, clause F9 of the current Building Code and Acceptable Solution F9/AS1.

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2023/027: The compliance with clause E2 of a proposed direct-fixed plywood cladding system on a building

This determination considers whether the proposed direct-fixed version of the plywood cladding system complies with Building Code Clause E2.3.2, specifically when considering the use of BRANZ Appraisal no 765 (2017) as evidence to show compliance. The scope of the appraisal requires a risk score of 0-6, as calculated in acceptable solution E2/AS1, and this determination assesses whether the proposed application falls within those bounds.

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2023/026: Regarding the compliance of a pool barrier with section 162C of the Building Act 2004

This determination considers whether a section of a residential pool barrier complies with section 162C of the Building Act 2004. In making this decision, the determination will consider the gaps in the metal fencing that forms part of the barrier as well as the hedging planted on the outside.

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2023/025: The authority's decision to issue a notice to fix for a container arch structure that was constructed without building consent.

This determination considers the authority's decision to issue a notice to fix for a container arch structure that was constructed without building consent. The determination considers whether there was a contravention of section 40 of the Building Act 2004, which turns on whether the building work was exempt from the requirement for a building consent under clause 3A of Schedule 1. The determination also considers whether the owner is a specified person that has contravened the Building Act.

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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: