One for all and all for one

Photo / Wanganui Chronicle

One council, one set of rules and far fewer forms are sure to be music to the ears of DIY enthusiasts, homeowners and builders throughout Auckland.

On November 1, the region's eight councils became one entity and the building control team at Auckland council have worked hard to ensure a seamless transition for those planning works on their property.

So what does this mean for you?

Probably the most important change is that whether you live in Papakura or Ponsonby, when lodging a consent you will receive the same information, follow the same process and fill out the same forms for the same project as someone living in Henderson.

We've also consolidated the fees and charges to provide consistency across the region - this means you would pay the same base fee to lodge an application, no matter where you live. Of course the final cost to you will depend on the complexity of each individual project.

This amalgamation process has allowed us to take the best practices from around the region and incorporate them into the new organisation.

We also introduced a regionally consistent building control lodgement process.

This includes the introduction of a regional pre-lodgement service, an important part of the consent process. This is where you come in before you lodge a consent with the plans and details to discuss your project with the appropriate staff.

At the end of this meeting you will be quite clear what you are expected to provide by way of documentation for your project. When it comes time to lodge your application this process will save time, money and the frustration of being asked for information that you may not have been aware you needed. Another exciting development is the extensive amount of information now available on Auckland Council's website, www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Just go to the building, property and consents page to find out whether you need consent for your project.

Under the residential property section you can find out what you need to do if you are building a fence, putting in a pool or spa, a fireplace or want to install solar water panels or heat pumps.

In each section you can also download the appropriate forms and checklists you may need.

By going to the website first, it could save you a lot of time and ensure you have all the information you require to process your application as efficiently as possible. It saves driving to your local office to pick up those forms.

The site also displays a regional product assessment process and register, producer statement register, as well as regional guidance information by way of practice notes that provide information on various topical issues.

The development of this information is ongoing and news flashes will appear when new information is available, providing clear guidance for staff, professionals and homeowners.

A free eco-design advice service is also now available across the region. Our advisers provide up to two hours free advice for each project and are also able to help homeowners wanting to have their home rated with the new Homestar rating system.

They can come to your home or respond to email or phone inquiries. The aim is to reduce the use of energy, water, materials and landfill from existing homes as well as when building or renovating.

The service was previously offered in Waitakere and Auckland city, but has now been extended to all residents, designers and the building trade throughout the Auckland region. You can make an appointment by ringing 0508326337.

The eco-advisers also feed back into policy advice. One of the first successes in this area for Auckland Council is the promotion of sustainable use of resources by introducing a reduced consent fee for solar and heat pump water heating. I recommend you make use of this service. We also have a lot fewer forms, a reduction from 240 to just 46.

We've tried to make the transition as easy and efficient as possible so you can still seek information and lodge your consents at local service centres across Auckland, in most cases the offices of your former council.

Over the next six months a lot of work will go into developing and implementing a further range of regionwide services and processes, including a regional code of practice for processing, an integrated regional and territorial consent processing and monitoring system, a regional building warrant of fitness process, and a code of practice for the fencing of swimming pools.

I suggest you watch with interest and bear with us as the changes we have developed so far provide better consistency.

There are still many initiatives and benefits to come.