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

152 Determinations match your query
Show detailed results

2016/036: Regarding access for people with disabilities to the lower level of a new rowing club building

This determination considers whether a lift is required to the lower level of a proposed two-storey rowing club building. The determination considers compliance against the relevant Acceptable Solution and what constitutes reasonable and adequate access for people with disabilities to the lower level. The determination also considers access to areas adjacent the building.

About this document

2016/020: The refusal to issue a code compliance certificate for an 8-year-old house

This determination considers the authority’s decision to refuse to issue a code compliance certificate for a house; the authority’s concerns were chiefly to do with the weathertightness and durability of the exterior envelope. The determination discusses the authority’s reasons for the refusal, and whether there was sufficient evidence of compliance in order to issue a code compliance certificate.

About this document

2016/014: Regarding access and facilities for people with disabilities to a gym in an existing two-storey building

This determination considers whether a lift is required to a mezzanine level of a gym as part of alterations to the existing building, and the compliance of the alterations in respect of Clause G1 Personal hygiene and D1 Access routes. The determination considers the weighing of the benefits and sacrifices as part of the section 112 requirement for compliance as nearly as is reasonably practicable, and also discusses the area and occupancy of the mezzanine level.

About this document

2006/112: Stability of a house on a riverside site

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]

About this document

2006/104: Access for people with disabilities to a lookout

N/A

About this document

2023/039: Compliance of handrails to an external stair with Clause D1 Access routes

This determination considers whether building work carried out to install two handrails to an external stair to a dwelling complies with Building Code Clause D1 Access routes. The determination considers whether the as-built handrails are "graspable" in accordance with clause D1.3.3(j), and the requirements of the relevant acceptable solution.

About this document

2023/035: Whether proposed alterations to a dwelling to replace internal stairs with a lift comply with Clause D1 Access routes

This determination considers whether proposed building work to alter an existing dwelling to replace an internal stair with a lift will comply with Building Code Clause D1 Access routes. The determination considers whether, regardless of the lift, a stair is also required to allow access between floors, to comply with clause D1.3.3(e), when both floors have access to the ground outside.

About this document

2025/004: Compliance of a step on an access route to a toilet facility

This determination considers the compliance with Building Code Clause D1 Access Routes of an external step to a toilet facility constructed as part of a new warehouse building. 

The determination considers whether the step is on an access route and whether it complies with clause D1.3.3(i).

About this document

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: