Altering an existing building

Extra conditions may apply when you're applying for a building consent to change or renovate an existing building.

How it works

When you apply for a building consent to change or renovate an existing building, we must be satisfied that, after the alteration, the entire building will comply, as nearly as is reasonably practicable, with the Building Code clauses relating to:

  • means of escape from fire
  • access and facilities for people with disabilities (if required).

Full list of buildings required to provide access and facilities for people with disabilities – legislation.govt.nz

For more information you may wish to refer to Section 112 of the Building Act – legislation.govt.nz

If the rest of the building complies with the current Building Code

It must continue to comply after the alteration.

If the rest of the building doesn't comply with the current Building Code

You must provide an assessment on the compliance level of the entire building and propose upgrades so that it complies with the requirements for means of escape from fire and, if required, access and facilities for people with disabilities.

The rules for managing building alterations are mainly contained in Section 112 of the Building Act.

If full compliance with the building code cannot be achieved , we may grant the building consent anyway if you can prove that the alteration:

  • will improve the building's means of escape from fire or disability access, and
  • wouldn't go ahead if the building was required to comply with all the relevant provisions of the Building Code; or
  • the building will continue to comply with the relevant clauses of the Building Code to the same extent as it did before the alteration and any improvements made will outweigh the drawbacks of the existing non-compliance of the building

We recommend providing a cost-benefit analysis or report from a suitably qualified person to demonstrate this.

Managing building alterations – Building Performance

Applying for your building consent

When you apply for your building consent, there's some extra information you'll need to provide.

You need to provide evidence of:

  • how the new building work complies with the Building Code
  • how the rest of the building will remain compliant, or be no less compliant than it already is.
  • And if applicable, how any proposed upgrades will fully comply or comply as near as is reasonably practicable with the requirements, and the sacrifices and benefits of achieving full compliance

We recommend this information is provided in a report by a suitably qualified fire engineer or designer. See MBIE’s website for guidance on the level of assessment required depending on the age and likely compliance level of your building

Our recommended approach – Means of Escape from Fire | Building Performance

Applying for a building consent

Contact us

The Building Compliance and Consents team is available Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

If you have a Building Compliance and Consent related query, you can submit it through our online form:

Send a query

Phone: 04 801 4311

Email: bcc@wcc.govt.nz