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

74 Determinations match your query
Show detailed results

2019/001: Regarding the code-compliance of sliding and hinged doors that form part of a barrier to a pool

This determination considers the code compliance of sliding and hinged doors that form part of the barrier to a pool. The determination assesses the barrier against the performance requirements of Building Code Clause F9 – Means of restricting access to residential pools.

About this document

2018/052: Whether an automatic pool cover complies with Building Code Clause F9

This determination considers whether the use of an automatic pool cover will comply with Clause F9 – Means of restricting access to residential pools of the Building Code. The determination discusses waivers and modifications, and the provision for automatic pool covers for small heated pools.

About this document

2018/047: Code compliance of barriers to a pool

This determination considers whether the barriers to a small heated pool comply with Clause F9 – Means of restricting access to residential pools. The determination also discusses the waiver and modification provisions within the Building Act.

About this document

2018/017: Compliance of an indoor swimming pool without a 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 The acceptable solution provided for in section 450A was revoked by way of Gazette notice on 27 April 2017.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 a pool that is wholly enclosed within a dwelling but that doesn’t have a physical barrier to restrict access by unsupervised children. The determination discussions the exemption from the requirement to have a barrier that was granted under the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act, and the relationship with the current provisions for barriers to residential pools under the Building Act.

About this document

2018/006: Code compliance of sliding doors that form part of a barrier to a pool

This determination considers the compliance of a barrier to a swimming pool that includes the exterior wall of the house with five sliding doors in it.  The determination assesses the barrier against the performance requirements of Clause F9 of the Building Code (Means of restricting access to residential pools), and considers whether the area encompassed by the proposed barrier is the immediate pool area.

About this document

2018/005: Automatic pool covers for swimming pools complying with Building Code Clause F9 and 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 whether automatic pool covers that comply with the ASTM Standard F1346-91 comply with Clause F9 (Restricting access to residential pools) of the Building Code and section 162C of the Building Act. The determination also discusses waivers and modifications, and exemptions that have been granted under the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987 to allow the use of pool covers.

About this document

2017/082: Compliance of deck balustrade as part of swimming pool barrier

This determination concerns the balustrade to a deck above an immediate pool area and the compliance of the barrier in relation to a set of external stairs from the deck to the pool. The determination considers whether the deck itself is included within the immediate pool area and whether the stairs are a climbable projection.

About this document

2017/078: Compliance of physical barrier to residential swimming pool

The determination considers whether the barrier to a swimming pool and spa pool complies with the Building Code to the extent required under section 162C of the Act.  The barrier was considered to be compliant with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act at the time of construction and a code compliance certificate had been issued, but it later failed an inspection carried out under the new special provisions for residential pools.

About this document

2017/045: Compliance of a barrier to a swimming pool

This determination considers the compliance of a number of features in a barrier to a swimming pool, including a bifold window that was installed as part of alteration for which a code compliance certificate has been issued.

About this document

2016/044: Regarding the code-compliance of pool barriers to a swimming pool and including a pool room

This determination discusses the Building Code obligations in Clause F4 for a proposed pool barrier that would include a pool room. The determination considers the area enclosed by the proposed barrier in respect of restricting access of children under the age of six to the immediate pool area as required by Clause F4.3.4(f).

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: