Previous determinations

This determination considers the level and tolerances in surface finish to the concrete floor slab and consequential variations in the timber framing to a two-story house.  The determination considers the compliance of the slab in relation to loss of amenity under Clause B1 Structure, and the application of the appropriate standards cited in the building consent.

This determination considers whether an authority was correct to issue dangerous building notices in respect of a concrete block retaining wall and fence located on the boundary between two properties: one notice was issued to each owner.  The determination considers the state of the wall and likelihood it will collapse; and what can be done to render the wall safe.

This determination discusses the compliance with Clause B2.3.1 of European oak grown in New Zealand and used as structural framing members.

This determination considers whether the authority correctly issued an earthquake-prone building notice for a multi-storey unreinforced masonry building. The determination also discusses the relationship between the legal test under section 122 of the Building Act 2004, the authority’s earthquake-prone building policy and the engineering methodology used at the time the earthquake-prone building notice was issued.

Note: This determination is subject to appeal. 

This determination considers the authority’s decision to refuse to issue a code compliance certificate: the grounds for the refusal were the authority’s concerns regarding the weather-tightness and durability of the exterior envelope, and the performance of a concrete floor slab and the subfloor space beneath with respect to structure and durability.  The determination reviewed the reasons given for the refusal and considered whether the items identified in the refusal comply with the Building Code.

This determination considers the authority’s decision to refuse to issue a building consent for alterations to an existing earthquake-prone building.  The alterations were for an internal fitout on the ground floor of the three-storey commercial building.  The determination considers the authority’s policy on earthquake-prone buildings in relation to the proposed work, and some matters in relation to the policy itself.  Detailed discussion on the policy will follow in a further determination. 

This determination considers the compliance of particular external walls of the house with respect to weathertightness and durability.  The walls are not under eaves that would provide shelter from the weather, and the joinery is not installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Note: The decisions in this Determination were confirmed on appeal to the High Court. See: Davidson v Palmerston North City Council (High Court, Palmerston North, 30 May 2008, CIV-2006-085-1462).

Appeal judgment [PDF 100 KB]

This determination considers the decision by an authority to issue a notice to fix for a partially completed new single storey residential building. The determination considers whether the areas of work identified on the notice comply with the building consent and whether the foundations comply with Building Code clause B1.3.1.