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Inspection timeframes
  • Our inspections are currently around 48 hours timeframe from booking. .
Processing timeframes

As at the end of March:

  • The average working days for building consents being issued is 8 days (note this is an average).
  • 96% of applications were processed within 20 working days.
  • New commercial consents are being processed generally within 25 working days.

Timeframes depend on the quality of your application - make sure time is taken to ensure that you're submitting a quality application.

Importing timeframes
  • Applications are currently being imported outside of the 48hr timeframe due to higher numbers of applications being received at the moment and staffing capacity which we are endeavouring to address through redeploying staff from other areas.
  • We anticipate these numbers will reduce and be back to normal timeframe soon, in the meantime please bear with us.

Don't forget to check out:

- Last updated April 2024

Change to information requirements for flood assessment certificate applications


Council is changing the information requirements for a Flood Assessment Certificate (FAC) application from 1 May 2024.

  • We will require all FAC applications for a residential unit on a single urban site to:
    include a site plan that includes existing site ground levels in relation to a datum reference for the top of the kerb in the road immediately adjacent to the site, confirmed/certified by a Licensed Cadastral Surveyor to datum mark which is permanent for use during the build, and
  • reference the New Zealand Vertical Datum NZVD2016 format.


Finished floor levels will then be set at a level above this datum reference.


Why are we making this change?


In reviewing many building consent applications for the purpose of issuing a FAC we have observed that:

  • in some cases the datums referenced on the plans are not consistent with the datum references of flood information we hold, and
  • in some cases the site levels on the plans are not very accurate in relation to the actual site or road levels.


Having a reliable NZVD 2016 datum will overcome these issues. This will provide a benchmark for all other aspects of the proposed building that can be used by the designer and the builder. It is better the survey is carried out earlier than later in the project.


Setting finished floor levels in relation to a confirmed datum reference is:

  • simpler to comply with,
  • reduces the potential for errors, and
  • gives certainty to the Council and homeowners that residential units and principal buildings are being constructed to the appropriate finished floor level.

Using a known datum reference also better accommodates development on lots that are not completely flat.


What if I already have a FAC but would prefer the finished floor level to set in relation to a known datum reference?

  • You will need to reapply for a new FAC if you would like us to set the floor level in relation to a known datum reference.
  • We will process this at no charge if your FAC was issued prior to 1 May 2024 and has not expired.


For further information on FACs please see our website.

As a building consent authority Selwyn District Council is responsible for processing building consent applications within Selwyn district.

In this section of our website you can find out all the relevant information on what is involved in getting a building consent.

Customer promise

We are committed to delivering high quality, professional regulatory building control and associated services to customers through:

  • the provision of high quality and consistent customer service
  • ensuring new and altered buildings in the Selwyn District are of a high standards through compliance with the Building Act 2004 and building code
  • striving for continuous improvement in systems and procedures.

Our aim is to:

  • make the process of applying for, and obtaining, an approved building consent as simple and as easy as possible
  • not compromise technical accuracy
  • determine all applications within statutory timeframes.

Tips for your build

  • We cannot do design work for you but we can advise on how to go about organising building and resource consent applications
  • Doing your research early can save time and money later, by identifying the need for specific design or other technical reports
  • Don't take the risk of building without first getting a building consent – that is illegal and may result in enforcement action
  • Complete any remedial work advised by an inspector before you proceed to the next stage of work - otherwise you could be liable for enforcement action
  • Skipping inspections can be costly – missed inspections or work covered up prematurely could mean that you will have to undo work to enable building work to be inspected before we can issue a code compliance certificate for the completed construction.

Enquiries

Use information on our website as a starting point.

If you need further help get in touch with us:

  • Online form – for feedback, compliments or complaints
  • Email – contactus@selwyn.govt.nz
  • In person – Selwyn District Council headquarters, 2 Norman Kirk Drive, Rolleston
  • Phone – 0800 SELWYN (735 996)

Council’s customer services team will assist, or put your through to the building team for further help.

If your enquiry relates to a building consent you can ask to be put through to:

  • a Building Advisor if it is to do with vetting or a general enquiry
  • the relevant Building Surveyor if your consent is being processed or you need clarification on an inspection notice.

If you need to escalate your enquiry or concern:

  • ask the Building Advisor or Surveyor to put you through to the Senior Building Advisor or Surveyor first,

  • or if you need to take it further, your next point of contact is our Team Leaders.

To see who our Senior Building Advisor or Surveyors and Team Leaders are meet our team.