Separate the approval questions
Building consent and resource consent address different matters. MBIE explains that even exempt building work must meet the Building Code, and local planning requirements can still apply. For a Wellington-region property, identify the council responsible for its address before relying on advice about another district.
Turn an idea into a consent discussion
| Proposed work | Question to resolve | Information to bring |
|---|---|---|
| Changing an internal wall | Does it support loads, brace the building or have another protected function? | Existing plans and the proposed opening. |
| Changing a bathroom | Are fixtures being relocated or added, and what else changes? | Existing and proposed fixture layouts. |
| Adding space or altering the exterior | What design and approvals are needed for the complete scope? | Site plan, elevations and earlier approval records. |
| Building outdoors | Do fall heights, boundaries or planning controls affect the proposal? | Site levels, dimensions and the proposed location. |
Your first approval checklist
- Write a room-by-room description of the proposed changes.
- Label drawings as existing or proposed, with a date.
- Find any consent and completion records already held.
- Ask who will obtain any additional property information.
- Record who confirms consent needs and who submits an application.
Changing a kitchen can involve several decisions
Replacing cabinets, moving a sink and opening an adjoining wall are separate parts of one project. Do not assume a single answer about “a kitchen renovation” covers them all. Give the council and relevant professionals the complete scope so related work is considered together.
Does an exemption mean there are no requirements?
No. An exemption from building consent is not an exemption from the Building Code or every other rule. MBIE’s guidance is general, so get project-specific advice when the conditions are unclear. Keep the advice and the final scope together in your project records.
Further reading
- MBIE Building Performance · check if you need consents
- MBIE Building Performance · 3 3 internal walls doorways existing building
- MBIE Building Performance · 4 7 alteration sanitary plumbing excluding water heaters
Guidance checked 30 September 2026. Confirm the requirements and product information for your own project.