What are we doing to reduce the timeframes?

We’re:

  • getting our trainees to help with low risk and complexity projects (although under supervision),
  • filling vacancies,
  • continuing to use contractors as they are available, although they are also inundated with work from across the country,
  • welcomed another new contractor on board,
  • working actively with our professional partnership partners to fast track more applications through this route, and
  • continuing to push back applications that aren’t complete.

What can you do to help your application go more smoothly?

  • Plan ahead
    • Let us know early if you need help with your application
    • Get all the relevant approvals that you need before you apply for your building consent
    • Build plenty of buffer into your building schedule to allow for potential delays – for example building supply shortages or substitution of products that need a formal amendment to your consent will be added to the processing queue
    • Be ready for inspection from 7.30am on the day of inspection - inspections will still be charged if the site is not ready for the booked inspection
  • You can track progress of your application using our online electronic consenting system AlphaOne. If you don't have access:
    • ask your agent to provide you with access, or
    • create your own login and contact us on 0800 SELWYN (735 996) – you’ll need to provide us with your building consent number so that we can give you access
  • Provide prompt RFI responses
    • list the changes
    • provide only the relevant pages, and
    • identify changes with a cloud
  • Pay for consents when they're issued or let us know if your project isn’t going ahead so that we’re not having to follow up with you
  • Load your required documents into AlphaOne at least one day before the relevant inspection.

Please be assured that we will get to your consent – frequently calling us to check on current status of your application takes us away from processing it.

For your inspection(s) you can continue to help us by:

  • ensuring you have completed the work required for each inspection to eliminate the need for reinspection’s,
  • submitting required documentation early – you know the drill; you don’t have to wait for the inspector to request it, and
  • being organised – so if things change on site, let us know so we can cancel your inspection and rebook it for a suitable day.

And thank you for your ongoing patience.