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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26 Determinations match your query
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2024/003: Whether three buildings are backcountry huts

This determination considers whether, for the purpose of compliance with the Building Code, three buildings meet the definition of 'backcountry hut' in Clause A2 Interpretation. The determination considers if the buildings are intended to provide overnight shelter to any person who may visit and who carries his or her own food, bedding, clothing, and outdoor equipment.

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2023/017: The proposed issue of a notice to fix regarding the change of use of motel units

This determination considers whether there was a change of use in relation to a building
that was used for emergency housing, where previously it had been used as tourist
accommodation. More specifically, the determination considers whether the use group
changed from 'sleeping accommodation' to 'sleeping residential' and, if so, whether that
resulted in additional or more onerous Building Code requirements.

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2025/008: An authority’s decisions to issue two notices to fix for a change of use and construction of tents without building consent

This determination considers an authority’s decisions to issue two notices to fix.

The determination considers whether the owner’s house had undergone a change of use in contravention of sections 114 and 115 of the Building Act 2004.

It also considers whether two tents installed on the property were exempt from the requirement to obtain a building consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act.

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2024/064: Regarding the compliance of proposed internal door locks which alter the building’s means of escape from fire

This determination considers whether the proposed installation of bedroom door locks at a residential housing facility, which alters the building’s means of escape from fire, complies with Building Code clause C4 Movement to a place of safety.

It also considers clause A1 Classified Uses to identify the extent to which the building must comply with C4.

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2024/060: An authority’s refusal to withdraw two notices to fix issued in relation to a change of use

This determination considers an authority’s decision to refuse to withdraw two notices to fix, which the owners believe had been satisfied by reverting to the building’s original use.

The determination turns on whether letting the house for short-term holiday accommodation to single groups constitutes a change of use from SH (Sleeping Single Home) to SA (Sleeping Accommodation).

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2018/065: Classified use of buildings used as accommodation under the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme

This determination considers the classified use of buildings on two properties under Clause A1 of the Building Code when they are used by employers as accommodation for seasonal workers under the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.

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2018/050: Notice to fix issued for the change of use of a house

This determination considers whether the building has undergone a change of use and the exercise of the authority's powers in issuing a notice to fix for failure to notify the change of use. The determination considers the use category and whether compliance requirements in the new use are additional or more onerous than the requirements related to the old use.

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2025/021: The authority's decision to issue a notice to fix for a change of use

This determination considers the authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix for an unnotified change of use. The determination considers the old and new uses of the building, in order to determine whether the building has undergone a change of use in contravention of sections 114 and 115 of the Building Act.

The determination also discusses the particulars and remedies contained in the notice. 

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2018/015: Notice to fix and the refusal to issue a certificate of acceptance for alterations

Note: The decisions in this Determination were confirmed on appeal to the District Court. See: Auckland Council v Jayashree Limited (District Court, Auckland, 14 February 2019, CIV-2018-004-00820).

Read appeal judgement [PDF 503KB].

This determination considers whether the authority was correct to issue a notice to fix in regard to unconsented building work and a change of use from a single house to sleeping accommodation. The determination also considers the authority’s decision regarding the certificate of acceptance.

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2024/059: An authority’s refusal to withdraw two notices to fix issued in relation to a change of use

This determination considers an authority’s decision to refuse to withdraw two notices to fix, which the owners believe had been satisfied by reverting to the building’s original use.

The determination turns on whether letting the house for short-term holiday accommodation to single groups constitutes a change of use from SH (Sleeping Single Home) to SA (Sleeping Accommodation).

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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: