In this section

In this section, you’ll find information about:

  • Building consents (BC), project information memorandums (PIMs), and other building approvals
  • Booking and completing inspections
  • Completing your build and getting a code compliance certificate (CCC)
  • Building compliance – including:
    • residential pool inspections
    • building warrants of fitness (BWOF)
    • earthquake prone buildings
    • dangerous, affected and/or insanitary buildings
  • Building related information during and after emergency events.

You’ll also find:

Importing timeframes

Applications are imported within 48 hours.

Processing timeframes

As at the end of May:

  • 8.4 average working days for PIMs.
  • The average working days for building consents being issued is 9.6 days (note this is an average).
  • 95.7% of applications were processed within 20 working days.
  • New commercial consents are being processed generally within 20 working days.

How quickly your application is processed depends on the quality of the information you submit. Taking time to properly complete an accurate application can help avoid delays.

Inspection timeframes
  • Inspection bookings are currently at 13 working days. Updated 30 June 2026.
  • Plan ahead:
    • School holidays and public holidays may increase wait times.
    • Factor this into your project schedule.
  • If your inspection is urgent:
    • You can ask to be added to the waitlist.
    • Being on the waitlist does not guarantee an earlier inspection.
  • If requesting an earlier inspection:
    • Make sure your work is ready from the earliest requested date.
    • We’ll contact you if an earlier inspection slot becomes available.
    • Let us know if your work won’t be ready to avoid a failed inspection.
  • Also see our Inspections update June newsletter.

- Last updated June 2026

Customer promise

We’re committed to delivering high-quality, professional building control and related services by:

  • Providing clear and consistent customer service.
  • Ensuring buildings in Selwyn District meet Building Act 2004 and building code requirements.
  • Continuously improving our systems and processes.

Our aim is to:

  • Make applying for an approval simple and straightforward.
  • Maintain a high level of technical accuracy.
  • Process applications within statutory timeframes.

Need help?

We recommend checking our website first. If you still need help:

  • 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.

Escalating your enquiry

If your enquiry relates to a building consent:

Ask to speak with:

  • A Building Advisor for vetting enquiries or a general advice.
  • The relevant Building Surveyor if your consent is being processed or you need clarification on an inspection notice.

If you need to escalate a concern:

  • First, ask the Building Advisor or Surveyor to put you through to the Senior Building Advisor or Surveyor.
  • If you
  • need to take it further, your next point of contact is one of our Team Leaders.