The Consent Process
This webpage provides information on the interaction required with your local authority when building a deck.
Basically there are three types of applications:
- Building Consent
- Resource Consent
- Code of Compliance
Building Consent
A building consent is required for all decks with a floor level situated higher than 1.5 metres. Currently all the decks designed using ROBO Deck Designer have a maximum height of 1.5m, so a building consent is not required for these. This saves a considerable amount of money (and time/stress). Even if no building consent is required, the decking still has to conform to the New Zealand building codes.
Please note if your deck is combined with a spa pool, then a building consent is required.
Resource Consent
A resource consent may however be required. The rules for the requirements for this varies depending on the local authority. Factors that could require a resource consent are:
- Distance of your deck from the boundaries
- The distance of your deck from a stream, lake or the coast
- The percentage of the building coverage on your property
Many of the local authorities have an online form where you can checkout whether resource consent is required.
We strongly suggest you check out if resource consent is required when planning a deck with your local authority.
Code of compliance
This is required only when building consent is required and the deck is complete. The code of compliance is an application to prove a deck has been constructed to the required building codes. |  |
Disclaimer: Whilst this website contains a lot of information on the design of decks which has been produced with the highest level
of professional care, ROBO Deck Designer, ROBO Design Solutions or Paul Roberts (the developer of this website) does not accept any responsibility for
the accuracy of the information on this website. This website is intended as a guide only, please refer to the New Zealand building code for the
appropriate regulations. | 
