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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2024/022: Regarding a notice to fix for alterations to a commercial building

This determination considers the authority’s decision to issue a notice to fix for contravention of section 40 in respect of the installation of sanitary fixtures and a hot water cylinder in a commercial building. The determination discusses whether the works carried out are exempt from requiring a building consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act.

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2024/016: The issue of a notice to fix for building work associated with a two storey sleepout building with sanitary fixtures

This determination considers the issue of a notice to fix for building work associated with a two storey sleepout building with sanitary fixtures. The determination considers whether the building work was exempt from the requirement to obtain a building consent under Schedule 1, and whether adequate particulars were set out in the notice to fix (in regards to both section 40 and section 17). It also discusses several issues relating to the notice to fix framework.

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2024/002: The issue of a notice to fix for building work on an existing building’s foundation

This determination relates to a notice to fix where the authority considered that building work had been undertaken without a building consent and not in accordance with the building code, breaching Sections 40 and 17 of the Building Act 2004. The determination considers whether the building work was exempt from the requirement to obtain building consent, and discusses the remedies provided for in the notice.

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2023/029: An authority's refusal of an application for a discretionary exemption from the requirement to obtain a building consent

This determination considers an authority's decision to refuse an application for a discretionary exemption from the requirement to obtain building consent, under clause 2 of Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004. The determination considers the authority’s reasons for refusal, and whether a discretionary exemption can be considered after the building work has been completed.

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2023/025: The authority's decision to issue a notice to fix for a container arch structure that was constructed without building consent.

This determination considers the authority's decision to issue a notice to fix for a container arch structure that was constructed without building consent. The determination considers whether there was a contravention of section 40 of the Building Act 2004, which turns on whether the building work was exempt from the requirement for a building consent under clause 3A of Schedule 1. The determination also considers whether the owner is a specified person that has contravened the Building Act.

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2023/014: The requirement for a building consent for building work to a relocated building

This determination considers the authority’s decision to require a building consent for work carried out to a relocated dwelling to extend a kitchen into an area that was previously an enclosed veranda and close in an area that was previously the entrance to a back door. The decision turns on whether the building work falls within the scope of building work exempt under clause 15 of Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 from the requirement to obtain building consent.

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2022/021: Regarding the notice to fix issued for the construction of a replacement garage without first obtaining a building consent

This determination considers whether the building consent authority was correct in the exercise of its power of decision to issue a notice to fix for a construction of a garage to replace an existing garage without first obtaining a building consent. This determination will turn on whether the building work to construct the garage is exempt under Schedule 1, clause 7 of the Building Act.

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2022/020: Regarding the issue of a notice to fix and the refusal to issue two discretionary exemptions under schedule 1(2)

This determination considers the authority's decision to issue a notice to fix for building work carried out in contravention of section 40 of the Building Act (building work not to be carried out without building consent). In deciding this, consideration is given to whether the building work falls within the exemption outlined in Schedule 1(7) of the Act. This determination also considers the authority's decision to refuse to issue two discretionary exemptions applications under Schedule 1(2) of the Act (exemption from the requirement to obtain a building consent.

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2021/029: Regarding the authority’s refusal to grant an exemption from building consent

This determination considers whether the authority was correct to refuse to grant a discretionary exemption under Schedule 1(2) for additional plumbing fixtures and the insulation of an external wall. The determination discusses what an authority considers when deciding to grant a discretionary exemption under Schedule 1(2).

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2021/021: Regarding the withdrawal of a notice to fix for a retaining wall, near the boundary with another property

This determination concerns a low retaining wall located near a boundary that was constructed without building consent, where a driveway was subsequently built near the top of the retaining wall on the neighbouring property. The determination considers whether the retaining wall was subject to a surcharge or load from vehicle traffic at the time of its construction, and whether the wall was exempt from the requirement for a building consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act.

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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: