Once building work is complete, it is the building owner's responsibility to apply for a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC).
A CCC is a formal statement issued under section 94 of the Building Act 2004, that the Building Control Authority is satisfied on reasonable grounds that building work complies with the building consent, or against the Building Code that was relevant at the time (if the consent was granted under the Building Act 1991). It is the owner’s responsibility to apply for the CCC as soon as practicable after the building work is completed.
A code compliance certificate gives you and future owners an assurance that the building work was done to the appropriate standards, making it safe, healthy and durable. Lack of a code compliance certificate might prevent a bank from releasing a final builder payment or increase the cost of insurance cover.
If your building is open to the public the building cannot be used until a CCC or Certificate for Public Use is issued. It is an offence to use or permit the use of public premises affected by building work that has no code compliance certificate, certificate for public use or certificate of acceptance.
Your code compliance certificate application must be a complete, precise and accurate record of what was actually built on the site.
Information required
The information required with your CCC application includes:
- name and contact details of everyone involved in your project (designer, architect, builder, plumber, etc)
- energy work certificates for any completed electrical or gas work
- any producer statements (for example, from a Chartered Professional Engineer for a specific design or construction element)
- licensed building practitioner certificates for restricted building work
- information about any specified systems
- an as-built services plan (for example, for plumbing or drainage)
- roof truss installation certificate and plan
- other installation certificates (for example, for cladding, waterproofing or tanking)
- confirmation that all council fees have been paid.
If the building has specified systems such as fire alarms, sprinklers and elevators that have been added, altered, or removed, a compliance schedule will be issued with the CCC.
Council has 20 working days from the date of your application to decide whether to issue a code compliance certificate. If we need more information, we will contact you and put the process on hold until the information is received (same timeframe as the project information memorandum and building consent processes).
Issuing the Certificate
If Council are satisfied on reasonable grounds that everything has been built according to your consented plans and meets the appropriate standards, we will confirm this by issuing a code compliance certificate. The receipt of a CCC means the building work complies with the consent and the Code.
If we aren’t satisfied that the building work complies with the consented documents, we will refuse to issue the code compliance certificate. This will be done in writing, after we have given applicants the opportunity to resolve any non-compliance issues first.
If your application is refused, you can reapply once you have addressed any areas of non-compliance. Please note, fees may be applicable.
If you have queries concerns or complaints about the compliance decision (to issue or otherwise) please see the information on Compliments, Complaints and Determinations.
If you haven't applied for a code compliance certificate within two years of being granted building consent, we will contact you to find out how you are progressing.
Reference: Code Compliance Certificates FAQ
Code Compliance Certificate Fees and Charges
The fee for the code compliance certificate is usually included in the invoice that is sent out once the consent is issued. A review of the fees paid for inspections will be made when the Code Compliance Certificate has been approved for issue. The Code Compliance Certificate will be released once any unpaid fees, and/or any other outstanding charges such as development contributions. Please see Ways to pay us for information on the method of fee and levy payment for consents, required inspections and CCCs.
What happens if the work is not approved?
Areas of non-compliance will be detailed as above. Where issues are of a more serious nature, Council may issue a Notice to fix, requiring any building work not done in accordance with the New Zealand Building Code to be corrected.
Council may also direct that the building work cease in the area affected by the non-compliance until Council is satisfied work may proceed. Failure to act within the guidelines of the Notice to Fix may result in prosecution.
You need to have an understanding of what and when inspections are needed. Missed inspections may prevent Council from being able to establish full compliance with the approved building consent, therefore possibly preventing the issuing of a Code Compliance Certificate.
An agreement for conditional continuation of work may be agreed for building work not related or impacted by the failed result.
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