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

1000 Determinations match your query
Show detailed results

2016/035: Regarding the refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for a 19-year-old house with brick veneer and weatherboard claddings

This determination is concerned with the compliance of a 19-year-old brick veneer house.  This determination considers the authority’s reasons for refusing the code compliance certificate, and whether the house complies with the requirements of the Building Code.

2016/034: Refusal to grant an s72 waiver for two building consents for proposed buildings on land subject to a natural hazard

This determination considers the authority’s refusal to grant a waiver under section 72 of the Act for two proposed buildings which are situated on land subject to a debris flow hazard.  The determination considers the risk to occupants from debris flow events, and the extent to which the proposed work will mitigate this risk.

About this document

2016/033: Regarding the code compliance of a solid fuel fire appliance installed in a three-year-old house

This determination considers the compliance of a fire appliance installed in a single storey dwelling and whether the emissions are disposed of in a way which avoids creating a nuisance or hazard to an adjacent neighbour in a two storey dwelling.

About this document

2016/032: Regarding the use of existing drains for a new dwelling

This determination considers a requirement put in place after a building consent was issued to replace existing drains on a property where a new dwelling was being constructed.  The decision turns on the means of compliance stated in the building consent and the authority’s powers after the consent was issued.  The determination also discusses the Building Code obligations that apply in regards to drainage systems and the performance requirements and assessment of existing drains.

About this document

2016/031: Issuing of a code compliance certificate in respect of thermal insulation to a hot water cylinder and hot water pipework to a house

This determination considers the requirements under Clause H1.3.4 in regards to insulation of a TPR valve and a length of hot water pipework, and Clause G9 in regards to the location of an electrical cable in a duct with the water supply pipework. The determination discusses the application of the relevant Acceptable Solutions and associated Standards as a means of establishing compliance.

About this document

2016/030: Regarding the authority's requirement for a named timber remediation expert in relation to a building consent for the recladding of a house

This determination considers the authority's exercise of its powers in respect of conditions on a building consent for the partial recladding of a house relating to the possibility of timber framing requiring remediation.

About this document

2016/029: Regarding the issue of a notice to fix for three cabins constructed without building consent

This determination considers three cabins constructed for the use of sleeping accommodation at an ashram and whether the building work was exempt from the requirement to obtain building consent under Schedule 1. The determination discusses the definition of the term “dwelling” as it relates to Schedule 1(3)(d).

About this document

2016/028: Regarding the authority's exercise of its powers in issuing a code compliance certificate for a retaining wall

This determination was sought by the owner of an adjacent property who was of the view that the retaining wall and site works did not comply with the Building Code.

About this document

2016/027: The refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for 14-year-old alterations to plaster-brick house

This determination is concerned with the compliance of 14-year-old additions to a plastered brick veneer house. This determination considers the authority’s reasons for refusing the code compliance certificate, and whether the alterations comply with the requirements of the Building Code.

About this document

2016/026: Determination regarding the compliance of a vapour barrier to a proposed pool house

This determination is concerned with the design of a proposed pool building that is an outbuilding to a dwelling. The determination considers what Building Code clauses apply to pool building, and whether the information provided with the application for building consent demonstrates that the proposed work will comply with the requirements of the Building Code.

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: