Your Building Consent Is Approved — What Happens Next?
This is not the end — it's the start of construction. Here's exactly what you (the owner) must do to stay compliant and get your Code Compliance Certificate.
Quick Answer
Once building consent is approved, you still need to build exactly what was approved, use the right LBPs, pass inspections, keep all records and apply for the CCC.
Keep Your Documents on Site
- Print ALL approved plans and documents
- Keep them on site at all times — inspectors will ask for them
- Includes approved drawings, specifications, and any reports (engineering, fire, etc.)
You can keep extra documents digitally, but plans must be printed.
You Must Use Licensed Builders (LBPs)
- If your project includes Restricted Building Work (RBW), you must hire Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs)
- They must build or supervise the work, and be registered in the correct trade
- You (the owner) are responsible for ensuring this
- Before starting, you must notify Council who your LBPs are
- No inspections can be booked until this is done
Build Exactly What Was Approved
- You cannot freely change things on site
- Small change → Minor Variation: must be approved and recorded before inspection
- Bigger change → Amendment: must be submitted and approved by Council first
- Do NOT build first and ask later — this can stop your project or cause major delays
Book Inspections (Very Important)
- Foundations / footings
- Framing
- Plumbing (pre-line)
- Insulation
- Waterproofing
- Final inspection
- You cannot move to the next stage without passing inspection
If inspection is not ready when the inspector arrives, you still get charged.
Start Your Build on Time
- You must start within 12 months
- Most councils allow up to 2 years before consent expires
- If you don't start, your consent can lapse (become invalid)
Keep All Site Documentation
- Producer Statements (PS3, PS4, etc.)
- Warranties
- Certificates (plumbing, electrical, etc.)
- Records of Work (ROW) from LBPs
You will need ALL of this for your final approval (CCC).
Record of Work (ROW)
- Every LBP must provide a Record of Work (ROW)
- This shows what they built or supervised
Without a ROW from each LBP, you may NOT get your Code Compliance Certificate (CCC).
Site Safety Is Your Responsibility
- Power lines: keep safe distances and get advice if working nearby
- Underground services: locate pipes before digging
- Site safety: scaffolding, access, and hazards
Control Mud and Water Runoff
- Install silt fences
- Protect drains
- Control runoff from day one
Poor control can fail inspections and lead to fines or enforcement.
Prepare for Final Inspection
- All inspections passed
- All documents ready
- All work completed as per approved plans
Apply for Code Compliance Certificate (CCC)
- Submit all documents
- Submit all certificates
- Submit all Records of Work
- Council then confirms your building is legal
This is your final approval — without CCC, your building is not legally complete.
Most Common Mistakes (Avoid These)
- Not using LBPs
- Changing things on site without approval
- Missing inspections
- Losing documents
- Not keeping plans on site
- Thinking consent = finished
A Simple Way to Think About It
- Consent = Permission to build
- Construction = You proving you built it correctly
- CCC = Final approval
Final tip: If unsure at any stage, ask before you build, not after. Fixing mistakes later is expensive, slow, and sometimes impossible.