Project Feasibility Before Building Consent

Feasibility starts by naming the project clearly. A bathroom renovation, deck, reclad, granny flat, garage conversion or unconsented alteration can each point to a different consent pathway.

• Write down what you want to build, alter, remove or legalise.
• Separate proposed work from work that has already been completed.
• Note whether the project is residential, commercial or mixed use.
• List any known council history, old plans, property file notes or previous consent references.

The first feasibility question is whether the proposed work is likely to need a building consent, may be exempt under Schedule 1, or needs a more detailed professional check.

• Check whether the work affects structure, weathertightness, fire safety, plumbing, drainage, accessibility or durability.
• Consider whether Schedule 1 exempt building work may apply.
• Remember that exempt work must still comply with the New Zealand Building Code.
• Use a consent pathway check before assuming a small job is automatically low risk.

Building consent checks Building Code compliance. Planning checks look at zoning, overlays, yards, height, site coverage, use and other district plan controls.

• Check zoning, overlays, flood maps, heritage, special character and site constraints where relevant.
• For Auckland projects, review Auckland Unitary Plan controls before concept design is locked in.
• For rural, coastal or hazard-prone sites, check whether land stability, flooding, wastewater or access may change the pathway.
• If planning risk is unclear, get advice before preparing a full building consent package.

Site constraints often decide whether a project is simple, needs consultants, or should be redesigned before money is spent on detailed drawings.

• Check title, easements, consent notices, cross-lease issues and boundary limitations.
• Look for stormwater, wastewater, public drainage, flood plains, overland flow paths and geotechnical issues.
• For granny flats and minor dwellings, check site capacity, servicing, access and hazards before assuming the project qualifies.
• For additions, decks and conversions, check structure, bracing, fire separation, dampness and weathertightness risk.

Different feasibility tools answer different questions. Use the broad feasibility report for general projects, the granny flat check for minor dwellings, and the CoA check for work already built without consent.

• Use the Feasibility & Scope Report when the project is still an idea and you need a first pathway summary.
• Use the Granny Flat Feasibility Check for minor dwellings, granny flats, self-contained units and site-specific servicing questions.
• Use the CoA Feasibility Check for completed work that may need a Certificate of Acceptance.
• Use direct contact when you already have council comments, an RFI, a Notice to Fix or a time-sensitive property issue.

A feasibility check should identify which professionals may be needed before design or consent documentation begins.

• Architectural design and consent drawings for proposed building work.
• Structural engineering where foundations, beams, bracing, decks, openings or load paths are affected.
• Geotechnical, drainage, stormwater, wastewater, H1 energy or fire input where the site or use requires it.
• Building surveyor or specialist reports where existing or unconsented work needs evidence.

The purpose of feasibility is not to create a pile of options. It should lead to a clear next step: proceed, redesign, gather more evidence, check council records or pause.

• Summarise the likely consent pathway in plain English.
• List the main risks, missing information and consultant inputs.
• Decide whether concept design, consent drawings, CoA support, planning advice or council support is the right next move.
• Request a fixed-fee professional scope once the pathway is clear enough.