The country’s first accredited independent building consents provider has set ambitious performance targets for itself, including a 10 day or less timeframe for consents when applications meet requirements – far quicker than many current processes.
Other targets BCA sets for itself include to a promise to complete 30 percent of building inspections remotely and issue building consents for low-risk replicated designs (for pre-approved building designs) within two working days. The company says it aims to complete building inspections and Code of Compliance Certificates within two working days.
The privately-owned company will operate nationally and has been accredited and registered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) as the first independent Building Consent Authority.
It has been reviewed to ensure it complies with Building Act Regulations by IANZ (International Accreditation New Zealand), the government-appointed accreditation body. BCA has full civil liability coverage for its activities, providing assurance to homeowners, developers and councils.
Chair Tony Sewell says the company’s focus is low-risk residential housing (notably single-storey homes) rather than large or complex buildings.
Sewell is one of New Zealand’s leading building and development consultants having served for decades in roles such as President of the Property Council and as inaugural Chief Executive of Ngāi Tahu Property.
“Our goal is to make the building consent process faster, easier and cheaper. Our approach will support the rapid delivery of quality homes, particularly in high-growth areas like Selwyn and Christchurch, where housing demand continues to surge,” says Sewell.
The Building Act has allowed for independent Building Consent Authorities to enter the market since 2004, as an alternative service to what’s provided by local councils.
Under the Act, any organisation, public or private, can apply to become a Building Consent Authority if it meets strict accreditation and registration requirements.
“With BCA focused on low-risk residential housing, it will take the pressure off local body workloads so they can concentrate on commercial, retail, apartment buildings and more complex, higher risk projects.
“As a government-approved, accredited co-regulator, our role is to ensure building risk, quality and civil liability responsibilities are covered,” Tony Sewell said.
BCA has been assessed against the same legislation as all Council building consent approvals which ensures the consumers risk is consistent and doesn’t matter if Council process the building consent compared to BCA.
“Local councils around New Zealand have long struggled to recruit enough skilled technical staff for consenting work,” says Sewell. “BCA will help relieve this burden.”
Sharon Mason, chief executive of Selwyn District Council says that while our council will continue to process the more complex building consents, it’s always good for consumers to have choice.
“Private providers will help alleviate pressure, especially during building booms like Selwyn has experienced in recent years.”
Jon Sanders, Managing Director of Today Homes says, “The reduced waiting times for consents will significantly improve the flow of our projects, allowing us to get homes out of the ground faster and into the hands of our clients sooner.
