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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2025/025: An authority’s decision to grant a building consent under section 72 and whether the building work was major alterations

This determination considers an authority’s decision to grant a building consent under section 72 of the Building Act 2004, which meant that a natural hazard notice was entered on the property’s record of title.

The determination considers whether the building work was ‘major alterations’ for the purpose of the natural hazard provisions of the Act.

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2025/020: Council’s decision to issue a yellow placard under section 133BT of the Building Act due to a slip

This determination considers a council’s decision to issue a notice under section 133BT (a yellow placard) to restrict access to part of the property due to a slip.

The determination considers whether the council had the power under the Building Act to issue the notice, and the issue of the notice in relation to a slip at the rear of the property.

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2025/019: The issue of a notice to fix for building work carried out without a building consent

This determination considers an authority's decision to issue a notice to fix to property owners regarding two self-contained units constructed on their land.

The owners disputed the notice, arguing that the units were vehicles, not buildings, and therefore did not require building consent.

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2025/009: Granting of a building consent amendment with a section 75(2) condition

This determination considers an authority’s decision to grant an application for a building consent amendment subject to a condition imposed under section 75(2).

The matter concerns building work which crosses the boundary between two allotments held by the same owners under one fee simple record of title.

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2025/005: An authority’s refusal to grant a building consent in relation to the conversion of one level of an existing multistorey building

This determination considers an authority’s refusal to issue a building consent for conversion of one level of a multi‐storey building from commercial to residential use.

It considers the reasons for the refusal under section 50 of the Building Act 2004, and provides comments on section 115 decision‐making.

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2024/046: The issuing of two notices to fix for a newly constructed indoor playground

This determination considers decisions by an authority to issue two notices to fix regarding a newly constructed indoor playground comprising four separate structures. The determination considers the form and content of the notices, and whether there were grounds to issue the notices, including whether the building work was exempt from the requirement to obtain a consent, and whether the playground complies with Building Code Clause B1 Structure.

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2024/030: The authority’s decisions to issue two notices to fix for a retaining wall constructed by a previous owner of the neighbouring property

This determination considers the authority’s decisions to issue two notices to fix for a retaining wall constructed by a previous owner of the neighbouring property. The determination considers whether there were grounds to issue the notices to fix to the applicant, and the form and content of the notices.

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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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2022/016: Whether building consent is required for a small unit prefabricated offsite

This determination considers an authority's proposed decision to require a building consent for prefabrication of a unit intended to be moved to another site. The determination discusses whether the unit is a 'building' in terms of the Building Act, the definition of 'building work' in the Act, and the exemption from the requirement to obtain building consent contained in clause 43 of Schedule 1 of the Act.

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2022/001: The authority's proposal to issue a notice to fix and whether a unit is a vehicle or building

Note: This determination was subject to appeal to the District Court, where one conclusion was confirmed and one conclusion was overturned. Appeal judgment  [PDF 6.4MB].

This determination considers whether a structure that has some features of a vehicle is a "building" under section 8 of the Building Act, and therefore whether the authority can issue a notice to fix for construction of the unit without building consent. The determination discusses factors to consider when deciding if the unit is a "vehicle", and if it is "immovable" and "occupied on a permanent or long-term basis".

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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: