Apply for a Building Consent

You can apply for a Building Consent through the Simpli online consents portal, by mail or in person. The application forms and process for applying for a staged or multi-proof consent, an amendment to a consent or a project information memorandum are the same.

For a complex project you may wish to have a pre-application meeting. More information can be viewed on our Pre-application meeting page.

Please note no action will be taken on your application until all the relevant documentation has been provided and payment has been receipted by Council and matched to your application.

Apply online

Step 1.Register on the Simpli portal

You'll need a valid email address and a password to register to use the portal. 

Register on Simpli

The Simpli portal is an initiative set up to make applying for building consents simpler and faster. This service offers a few exciting features including the ability to track the progress of your application, collaborate with colleagues on applications and also use the same information to apply to different councils.

Step 2.Ensure your application form is correct and complete

Once you've registered, you can apply for a building consent on the Simpli portal.

The application form has a number of parts and it's important that all sections are completed. You'll also be required to upload the documentation relevant to your project. Applications won't be accepted if any of the information is missing.

Apply for a Building Consent

Step 3.Make a payment

Please include confirmation of your payment when submitting your electronic application so we can put the two things together and get the process rolling. For full information on how to make payments please view our Paying Us page.

Apply by mail

Step 1.Download the application form

You can download the following forms from the Simpli website:

  • Form 2 – Building Consent (also application for Project Information Memorandum (PIM), Solid Fuel Burner, Staged Building Consent, Amendment to Building Consent, or Building Consent using a National Multiple-Use Approval (‘Multi-proof’).
  • Form 2A – Memorandum from Licensed Building Practitioner: Certificate of Design Work
  • Form 2B – Statutory Declaration of Owner/Builder

You might need to complete and submit additional forms with your application when applying by mail.

View the Simpli application forms and guidance

Step 2.Ensure your application form is correct and complete

The application form has a number of parts and it's important that all sections are completed. You'll also be required to add the documentation relevant to your project. Applications won't be accepted if any of the information is missing.

Step 3.Submit your application

All parts of Form 2 (Building Consent application) are to be completed and submitted along with one (1) copy of all required plans and supporting documents.

Application forms and supporting documentation should be posted to Horowhenua District Council, Private Bag 4002, Levin 5540.

Step 4.Make a payment

Please include confirmation of your payment when submitting your electronic application so we can put the two things together and get the process rolling. For full information on how to make payments please view our Paying Us page.

Apply in person

Step 1.Download the application form

You can download the following forms from the Simpli website:

  • Form 2 – Building Consent (also application for Project Information Memorandum (PIM), Solid Fuel Burner, Staged Building Consent, Amendment to Building Consent, or Building Consent using a National Multiple-Use Approval (‘Multi-proof’).
  • Form 2A – Memorandum from Licensed Building Practitioner: Certificate of Design Work
  • Form 2B – Statutory Declaration of Owner/Builder

You might need to complete and submit additional forms with your application when applying in person.

View the Simpli application forms and guidance

Step 2.Ensure your application form is correct and complete

The application form has a number of parts and it's important that all sections are completed. You'll also be required to add the documentation relevant to your project. Applications won't be accepted if any of the information is missing.

Step 3.Submit your application

If you're submitting your application in hard copy using the printable version, please submit this along with one (1) copy of all required plans and supporting documents, and the associated fee or confirmation of electronic payment, to Horowhenua District Council's Main Office in Levin or service centres in Foxton or Shannon.

Step 4.Make a payment

Please include confirmation of your payment when submitting your electronic application so we can put the two things together and get the process rolling. For full information on how to make payments please view our Paying Us page. When applying in person you can still electronically pay the fees associated with your application by using internet banking.

 

Fees will be calculated when you lodge the consent and you'll receive an invoice for the estimated time based processing cost and number of inspections required for your project. The invoice will include the fees associated with processing your application for a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC). The fee schedule is available on our Building Fees and Charges page and will give you an estimate of the amount payable.

Fees for MBIE & BRANZ levies must be paid before the building consent is granted.

Once the final inspection has been passed, a reconciliation of inspections and processing time will be carried out and either a refund will apply for any inspections and processing time paid for and not completed, or an invoice will be issued for inspections and processing time completed and not covered by the fixed fee. Any outstanding fees must be paid prior to the issuing of the CCC.

For full information on how to make payments please view our Paying Us page.

If the value of your project is over $20,000.00 your fees will include levies which we are required to collect on behalf of the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ). Projects with a value of $20,444 and over will also be charged a levy for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

Information about what supporting documentation is required with your application is available on the Simpli website.

A guide to completing the application form is also available on the Simpli website.

Supporting documentation for specified systems

Where an application for a building consent involves building work in an existing building that includes modifying or adding to the specified systems - an amendment to an existing compliance schedule will be required.

Supporting documentation should include details of the design features of the specified systems and the proposed procedures for inspection, maintenance and reporting for all applications involving new buildings with any specified systems or modifications and/or additions to existing specified systems.

BuiltReady is a voluntary offsite manufacturer certification scheme that has been designed to support innovative and efficient building methods. BuiltReady gives consumers more building choices and reduced building and consenting times and costs.

BuiltReady is suitable for offsite manufacturers based in New Zealand and overseas that design (where relevant), manufacture, assemble, transport and install modular components.

A modular component that has a certificate that was issued by a registered manufacturer must be accepted by Building Consent Authorities as meeting the requirements of the New Zealand Building Code when used in accordance with details on the certificate.

View more information about the BuiltReady scheme

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