The Building Act 2016 takes a risk-based approach to building approval.
Building work
Read the Director's Determination - Categories of Building and Demolition Work (PDF, 504.4 KB)
| Risk categories | Examples | Approval process | Who can do the work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low risk work |
| No permit or approval for performing building work. May require planning approval | Most work can be carried out by an owner. Some larger projects can be carried out only by a licensed builder without a building permit |
Medium risk work (notifiable work) |
| An application (Notice of Work) made to a building surveyor, for a Certificate of Likely Compliance | Can be carried out by a licensed builder with regulatory oversight by a building surveyor. Council will need to be notified that the work is taking place but doesn't need to give approval. |
| High risk work (Permit work) |
| An application to council for a Building Permit | Will still need to go through a full building approval process with the council. |
Plumbing work
Read the Director's Determination - Categories of Plumbing Work (PDF, 838.9 KB)
| Risk categories | Examples | Who can approve | Who can do the work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low risk work |
| No permit or approval for performing low risk plumbing work | Licensed plumber (owner may perform very minor work such as changing a tap washer) |
Medium risk work (notifiable work) | Majority of work undertaken in existing buildings:
| An application (Notice of Work) made to the Permit Authority, for a Certificate of Likely Compliance | Licensed plumber |
| High risk work (Permit work) | Commercial high rise buildings and all the high risk types that need a special plumbing permit under the current Act:
| An application to council for a Plumbing Permit | Licensed plumber |
Demolition work
Read the Director's Determination - Categories of Building and Demolition Work (PDF, 504.4 KB)
| Risk categories | Examples | Who can approve | Who can do the work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low risk work |
| No permit or approval for performing demolition work May require planning approval | Owner or a competent person |
Medium risk work (notifiable work) |
| An application (Notice of Work) made to a building surveyor, for a Certificate of Likely Compliance | Licensed demolisher or builder |
| High risk work (Permit work) |
| An application to council for a Demolition Permit | Licensed demolisher or builder |