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.

You can also search for Determinations on Building CodeHub

Find a determination

Applying filters will narrow down your search results

Find a determination

Search results

1858 Determinations match your query
Show detailed results

2020/020: Regarding the decision not to extend the deadline for completing seismic work for an earthquake-prone building

This determination considers the decision of an authority to issue an earthquake-prone building notice for a building under the current provisions of the Act, but in doing so maintaining the deadline date by which the notice was to be complied with as described in the old notice issued under the former Act. The owners of the building had applied to have the deadline date extended which the authority had declined.

The determination considers whether the authority was correct to refuse the extension taking account of the transitional provisions of the Act and how the Act identifies and manages earthquake-prone buildings

About this document

2020/019: Regarding the authority's decision to issue a notice to fix for an agricultural effluent storage pond

Note: The decision in this determination was confirmed on appeal to the District Court. See Waikato Regional Council v Poseidon Holdings Ltd [2021] NZDC 6951.

Read the appeal judgment.

This determination considers the authority's decision to issue a notice to fix for an agricultural effluent storage pond to the current owner. The determination discusses the relationship of the previous owner and the current owner, and whether the current owner is a specified person for the purposes of section 163 and 164 of the Building Act.

About this document

2020/018: Regarding the compliance of a pool barrier and whether the authority was correct to grant an exemption for its construction

This determination considers the authority's decision to grant a discretionary exemption from the requirement to obtain building consent for the construction of a section of pool barrier. The determination also considers the compliance of the new section of pool barrier with Clause F9 of the Building Code (Means of restricting access to residential pools).

About this document

2020/017: Regarding the issue of a notice to fix in respect of the use of a trailer and timber wall

This determination considers whether the authority was correct to issue a notice to fix in circumstances where the placement of a trailer near a timber wall might enable a young child to gain access to the neighbour's pool. The matter turns on the interpretation of section 116B(1)(a) of the Building Act, which provides that it is an offence to use a building for a use for which that building is not safe.

About this document

2020/016: Regarding the authority's issuing of a code compliance certificate in respect of the mechanical ventilation system to a restaurant kitchen

This determination considers the authority's decision to issue a code compliance certificate in respect of a mechanical ventilation system for the fitout of a restaurant; the extract from the restaurant's kitchen exits the building via existing exhaust ductwork, and other building occupants consider the kitchen’s exhaust discharge to be a nuisance.

The determination considers the compliance of the kitchen ventilation system as designed and as built, and the compliance of the existing exhaust ductwork and discharge point.

About this document

2020/015: Regarding the refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for building work on a relocated house

This determination considers the authority's refusal to issue a code compliance certificate due to building work to strengthen the existing roof of the house. The determination considers the as-built compliance of the building with Building Code Clause B1 Structure.

About this document

2020/014: Regarding the authority's refusal to grant an amendment to a building consent

This determination considers the authority's refusal to issue a building consent for a revised timber remediation methodology and window joinery flashing system. The determination considers whether sufficient information was provided to the authority during the building consenting process.

About this document

2020/013: Regarding the refusal to issue a certificate of acceptance

This determination considers an authority's refusal to issue a certificate of acceptance for internal work to construct two rooms inside a pole shed. The determination discusses the scope of the work covered by the application for a certificate of acceptance and the reasons given for the refusal.

About this document

2020/012: Regarding compliance of building work with Building Code Clause E1 Surface water and the decision to issue a notice to fix in respect of it

This determination considers whether a depression on semi-rural property can be considered a suitable outfall for a surface water drainage system. The authority issued the notice to fix because it considered the drainage system had not been constructed in accordance with the consented plans. The determination considers the compliance of the outfall and whether the authority was correct to issue the notice to fix

About this document

2020/011: Regarding the refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for a relocated house with 19-year-old alterations and additions

This determination considers an authority’s refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for a relocated house with 19-year-old alterations and additions principally for reasons to do with the performance of the building envelope. The determination considers the authority’s reasons for the refusal and whether the items identified by the authority are compliant with the Building Code requirements in force when the building consent was issued.

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: