Certificate of Acceptance

A COA is a formal process, time consuming and costly.

There is no difference in the amount of information and detail required by a council as if you were applying for a building consent in the first instant.

It is necessary to supply with the application a set of scale drawn plans, specification, product technical literature, producer statements (if Applicable) photographs and a report on the work by an author who is approved by an author who is approved by Council and listed on the council’s register. We are listed with Council. This report must provide supporting evidence that the building work complies with the appropriate sections of the NZ Building Code.

This is a costly exercise and also time consuming. A council has a statutory requirement to have the application processed within 20 working days.

The clock can be stopped if further additional information is requested.

There is a down side to this process and that is the if the council can not approve and issue the COA then the council must issue a Notice to Fix which is a formal notice under the Building Act 2004 requiring the works to be removed or remedial works to be undertaken.

You can read about COA at http://www.dbh.govt.nz/bofficials-certificates-of-acceptance.


Guardian Housing Services can assist you with these matters.

For more information please feel free to contact us – we will be happy to assist you.

NB Lodgment is up to you as the client to lodge unless otherwise specified (additional fees will apply if you would like Guardian to lodge for you – please enquire); a copy of the report and associated plans will be required by your local Council.

We recommend you check with your local Council as to any associated lodging fees that may apply and or any additional information that may be required with your application.