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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2024/041: Regarding the authority’s refusal to grant a building consent for building work to replace the existing fire alarm system in a cool store.

This determination considers the decision by the authority to refuse to grant a building consent for work to disestablish an existing sprinkler system. The authority considered that there were outstanding issues regarding the fire load within the building, the proposed replacement warning system, and the fire rating requirements for the building. The determination discusses the outstanding issues at the time the building consent was refused, and the refusal letter issued by the authority.

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2024/040: The compliance with clause B2 Durability of macrocarpa timber cladding containing knots.

The determination will consider whether the macrocarpa timber cladding complies with Building Code clause B2 Durability with regard to knots in the timber boards.

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2024/036: The proposed refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for a house

This determination concerns the authority’s proposed refusal of a code compliance certificate. The determination considers whether the building work complies with the building consent, and whether particular elements of the building work comply with the relevant clauses of the Building Code.

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2024/035: The purported refusal to grant a building consent for a skillion roof and whether it complies with E2.3.5 by way of E2/AS1

This determination considers an authority’s purported refusal to grant a building consent for a proposed skillion roof design on an extension to an existing dwelling. The roof design is intended to comply with E2.3.5 by way of acceptable solution E2/AS1 for ventilation to this roof space.

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2024/033: Issue of a notice to fix for an existing pool without a physical barrier and the consideration of a waiver of the need for a barrier

This determination considers the authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix for an existing pool on an offshore private island that does not have a physical barrier to restrict access by unsupervised young children. The determination considers whether the owner is required to comply with section 162C of the Building Act 2004 and whether a waiver is appropriate in the circumstances. 

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2024/032: Regarding compliance with Building Code Clause D1 of a pedestrian walkway located in a retirement village

This determination considers whether a sloped pedestrian walkway between two levels of a retirement village is required to comply with clauses of Building Code Clause D1 that concern accessible routes. It also discusses the requirements in the Building Act for accessible routes in relation to different types of buildings within the village.

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2024/031: Regarding the compliance of building work with Building Code clause E1.3.1 Surface water

This determination considers whether the building work carried out at 57 Pomona Road complies with E1.3.1 as it relates to the protection of ‘other property’ at 53 Pomona Road. This turns on an assessment of whether the building work has concentrated or directed surface water in a way that could cause nuisance or damage to 53 Pomona Road.

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2024/027: Compliance of head flashing stop ends extending past the cladding line as an alternative solution to E2

The determination will consider whether the constructed head flashings to weatherboard claddings where the stop ends extend past the cladding line comply with E2.3.2 to prevent the penetration of water that could cause undue dampness and damage by way of an alternative solution. 

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2024/026: The authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix in relation to a retaining wall

This determination considers the authority's decision to issue a notice to fix for the construction of a retaining wall. The determination considers whether there were grounds to issue the notice to fix (including whether the building work was exempt from the requirement to obtain a consent), and the form and content of the notice to fix.

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2024/024: Authority’s refusal to modify a building consent for two relocatable detached dwellings to allow for separate code compliance certificates

This determination considers an authority's decision to refuse to modify a building consent for two relocatable dwellings built in a factory by administratively splitting it to allow for individual code compliance certificates to be issued.

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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: