Building consent search service

When to use this service

The permits and consents, which usually include plans, can be useful if:

• you are buying and selling
• renovating or altering a property
• planning to do earthquake-strengthening work
• assessing a building for weather-tight compliance issues.

How this differs from what's provided in a LIM

• These documents are not included in a Land Information Memorandum (LIM) or any of the other property reports available from the Council. LIMs include a list of permits and consents but not the documents themselves.

Searching for and requesting individual building permits and consents

You can search for specific building permits and consents yourself on Archives online.

Once you’ve selected the items you want, send us your list via Archives online. We’ll then send you a payment form link. Once payment has been received the permits or consents will be scanned and emailed to you. Or, we can put the files on a CD that we can post, or you can arrange to collect. For residential requests we’ll turn your request around in 3 working days (from payment). Requests for commercial properties may take longer, depending on the volume of information we hold and what’s requested.

Requesting all permits and consents for a residential property

If you’re after all the permits and consents for a residential property you can request a package that includes all for a capped fee. Visit the Building Consent Search Service page for more information.

The information available

This service provides copies of all the building permits and/or completed building consents we hold. The information in these varies, and might include:

• completed consent application forms
• drainage plans relating to consented work
• copies of plans and specifications
• code compliance certificates
• Project Information Memoranda (PIMs)

We can't guarantee that we'll include the information you require.

Incomplete building consents

The service provides copies of issued building consents. Should you require more information about the copies you have received, or advice about applying for building consents, or information regarding the consent process, please contact:

Building Consents and Compliance

Drainage records

You can view a map showing general water and drainage information using Council's Water and Drainage - WebMap, or you can order a property report. You may also find some drainage information on Archives online, however, these records may be incomplete, or not up to date.

State housing records

If your request is about a state house or ex-state house, the amount of information we hold is likely to be limited. You can check this by going to Archives online and searching your address – this will confirm whether we hold information on your property or whether you should contact Housing New Zealand instead.

Large government-built works

We hold information on some large government buildings (built before 1991), but not others. We can take a look but you may need to contact Archives New Zealand.

Fees