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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2024/066: The authority’s decision to refuse an amendment to a building consent to increase the immediate pool area.

This determination considers the authority’s decision to refuse an application for an amendment to a building consent proposing to extend and increase the immediate pool area.

The determination discusses the reasons for refusal, and whether the additional spaces enclosed can be included within the ‘immediate pool area’ as defined by the Act.

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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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2022/030: Refusal to issue amendments to building consent regarding the location of a pool barrier

This determination considers whether the authority was correct to refuse to issue two amendments to the building consent regarding a pool barrier. The amendments were refused as compliance with Clause F9 of the Building Code, Means of restricting access to residential pools, had not been demonstrated. The determination considers whether a pavilion, patio and soft landscaping area can be considered part of the 'immediate pool area'.

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2022/011: Considering the authority's decision to issue a code compliance certificate for a pool barrier

This determination considers the authority's decision to issue a code compliance certificate for a pool barrier. The determination considers whether the area enclosed by the pool barrier should be included within the immediate pool area.

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2021/019: Regarding the compliance of a swimming pool barrier that incorporates an existing balcony balustrade

This determination considers the compliance of a pool barrier that incorporates a balcony balustrade. In determining whether the barrier achieves the compliance with Clause F9 Means of Restricting Access to Residential pools of the Building Code, the determination assesses the barrier against the Acceptable Solution F9/AS1 and as an alternative solution.

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2021/015: Regarding the compliance of an existing pool barrier

Note (added 11/08/2022): Please note that this determination incorrectly refers to section 450A of the Building Act 2004 as a compliance pathway for the pool barrier in this determination. The acceptable solution provided for in section 450A was revoked by way of Gazette notice on 27 April 2017. As the determination does not conclude that the pool barrier was compliant via the acceptable solution in section 450A, the outcome of the determination is not affected.

This determination considers the compliance of an existing pool barrier that incorporates a number of sliding wall panels and for which a code compliance certificate had previously been issued. The determination describes various pathways to establishing compliance for the purpose of section 162C of the Building...

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2021/014: Regarding compliance with the Building Act of an existing pool barrier

Note: This determination is subject to appeal.

Note (added 11/08/2022): Please note that this determination incorrectly refers to section 450A of the Building Act 2004 as a compliance pathway for the pool barrier in this determination. The acceptable solution provided for in section 450A was revoked by way of Gazette notice on 27 April 2017. As the determination does not conclude that the pool barrier was compliant via the acceptable solution in section 450A, the outcome of the determination is not affected.

This determination considers the compliance of an existing pool barrier that incorporates brick columns and walls and sections of metal fencing, and hedges. The determination describes various pathways to establishing compliance for the purpose of section 162C of the Building...

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2020/028: Regarding the compliance of a pool barrier with Building Code Clause F9 Means of restricting access to residential pools

This determination considers the compliance of a new pool barrier with Building Code Clause F9 Means of restricting access to residential pools. The determination discusses the parts of the barrier consisting of boundary fences and junctions with internal sections of the barrier, and trees on the inside of the boundary fences.

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2020/001: Regarding the compliance of a pool barrier to the extent required by section 162C of the Building Act

Note (added 11/08/2022): Please note that this determination incorrectly refers to section 450A of the Building Act 2004 as a compliance pathway for the pool barrier in this determination. The acceptable solution provided for in section 450A was revoked by way of Gazette notice on 27 April 2017. As the determination does not conclude that the pool barrier was compliant via the acceptable solution in section 450A, the outcome of the determination is not affected.

This determination considers the compliance of an existing pool barrier to the extent required under section 162C of the Building Act. The matter turns on whether the area enclosed by the pool barrier can properly be considered the "immediate pool area" and whether the doors opening...

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2019/066: The refusal to issue a code compliance certificate in respect of two sides of an above-ground pool acting as the pool barrier

This determination considers the authority’s purported refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for two sides of an above-ground pool acting as the pool barrier, which were not constructed in accordance with the building consent.  The determination discusses the compliance of the pool walls as a pool barrier with Clause F4 Safety from falling as the relevant Building Code clause at the time the building consent was 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: