Understanding Drainage Consent Requirements in Northland

If you're planning drainage work on your Northland property, understanding consent requirements is essential. While the consent process might seem daunting, it exists to ensure drainage systems are safe, effective, and don't negatively impact neighbors or the environment.

This guide explains what work requires consent in the Far North District, the application process, and how working with a licensed drainlayer simplifies compliance.

What is a Building Consent?

A building consent is approval from the Far North District Council (FNDC) confirming that proposed building work meets the New Zealand Building Code. Drainage work often requires building consent because it's considered "building work" under the Building Act 2004.

The consent process ensures:

• Work meets minimum safety and performance standards
• Qualified tradespeople perform the work
• Proper inspections occur at key stages
• You receive a Code Compliance Certificate upon completion

Drainage Work That Requires Building Consent

In the Far North District, the following drainage work generally requires building consent:

1. Wastewater Drainage Systems

Any work on wastewater drainage systems requires consent:

• Installing new wastewater drainage for buildings
• Connecting to council wastewater systems
• Modifying existing wastewater drainage
• Relocating drains or fixtures
• Adding new bathrooms, kitchens, or laundries

This requirement applies whether you're building a new home, adding a bathroom to an existing home, or substantially altering wastewater drainage.

2. Septic Tank Systems

All septic tank work requires consent:

• Installing new septic tank systems
• Replacing existing septic tanks
• Modifying drain field configurations
• Upgrading to advanced treatment systems

Septic systems must meet specific environmental standards to protect groundwater and prevent pollution. The council reviews system design, location, and capacity before granting consent.

3. Stormwater Drainage

Stormwater consent requirements include:

• Connecting to council stormwater systems
• Stormwater drainage for new buildings
• Major alterations to existing stormwater systems
• Soakpits and infiltration systems in some cases

The council wants to ensure stormwater systems can handle expected rainfall volumes and discharge water safely without causing flooding or erosion.

4. Drainage for New Buildings or Additions

When building consent is required for the structure itself, drainage systems for that structure also need consent. This includes:

• New homes
• Substantial home additions
• Sleepouts and granny flats
• Commercial and industrial buildings

Work That May Not Require Consent

Some drainage maintenance and minor repairs don't typically require consent:

• Clearing blocked drains (provided no excavation of pipes occurs)
• Replacing like-for-like fixtures (toilets, sinks, etc.) in the same location
• Maintaining existing roof gutters and downpipes
• Clearing accessible inspection points

Important: If you're unsure whether your planned work needs consent, check with FNDC or consult a licensed drainlayer before proceeding. Undertaking work that requires consent without obtaining it can result in fines and requirement to remove or redo work.

The Building Consent Process in Far North District

Understanding the consent process helps you plan your drainage project timeline:

Step 1: Engage a Licensed Drainlayer

Drainage work requiring consent must be performed by a licensed drainlayer. Your drainlayer will:

• Assess your requirements and site conditions
• Design appropriate drainage systems
• Prepare technical drawings and specifications
• Complete consent application forms

Step 2: Submit Building Consent Application

Your drainlayer (or sometimes you, with their technical input) submits the consent application to FNDC including:

• Completed application forms
• Site plans and drainage drawings
• Design specifications
• Producer statements from the drainlayer
• Consent fees

Step 3: Council Processing

FNDC processes your application, which typically takes:

• 20 working days for standard applications
• Longer if the council requires additional information
• Longer for complex or non-standard systems

The council may request additional information or design modifications. Experienced drainlayers anticipate council requirements, reducing delays.

Step 4: Consent Granted

Once approved, you receive building consent allowing work to proceed. The consent:

• Specifies approved plans and specifications
• Lists required inspections
• Has a validity period (typically 2 years)

Step 5: Work Performed and Inspected

Your licensed drainlayer performs the work according to consented plans. At required stages, council building inspectors visit to verify compliance. Common inspection points include:

• Pre-cover inspection (before covering or backfilling drainage pipes)
• Final inspection (completed work)

Step 6: Code Compliance Certificate

Once inspections pass and work complies with consent, FNDC issues a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC). This document confirms:

• Work was completed according to consent
• The drainage system meets Building Code requirements
• The work is legally compliant

Keep your CCC: This document is essential for property sales and insurance claims.

Special Considerations for Northland

High Rainfall Requirements

Northland's high rainfall means stormwater systems must handle significant water volumes. Council drainage standards account for this, requiring properly sized systems with adequate capacity.

Coastal and Environmental Zones

Properties in coastal areas, near waterways, or in environmentally sensitive zones may face additional requirements:

• Resource consent (from Northland Regional Council) in addition to building consent
• Stricter wastewater treatment standards
• Special septic system designs for coastal or high water table areas
• Assessments of environmental effects

Clay Soil Considerations

Northland's prevalent clay soils affect septic drain field design. Council requirements often mandate:

• Soil testing before septic system approval
• Specialized drain field configurations for clay soil
• Larger drain field areas than in free-draining soils
• Advanced treatment systems in some cases

Consent Costs and Timeframes

Consent fees: FNDC charges fees for consent processing and inspections. Fees vary based on project value and complexity. Expect:

• Application processing fee
• Inspection fees
• Code compliance certificate fee

Timeframes: Allow adequate time for:

• Design and documentation: 1-2 weeks
• Council processing: 3-4 weeks (minimum 20 working days)
• Work completion: varies by project
• Final inspection and CCC: 1-2 weeks after work completion

Consequences of Proceeding Without Consent

Undertaking drainage work that requires consent without obtaining it creates serious problems:

Legal Issues

• Fines up to $200,000 under the Building Act
• Council can require removal or rectification of work
• Personal liability for non-compliant work

Property Sale Complications

• Buyers can demand proof of consent for building work
• Unconsented work can derail property sales
• May need to retrospectively consent work (expensive and sometimes impossible)

Insurance Problems

• Insurance may be void for unconsented work
• Claims related to unconsented work can be declined

How a Licensed Drainlayer Helps

Working with an experienced, licensed drainlayer like Impact Drainage simplifies consent compliance:

We Handle the Paperwork

Licensed drainlayers know exactly what council needs. We prepare complete consent applications, reducing delays from missing information or incorrect documentation.

We Know Council Requirements

We work with FNDC regularly and understand their expectations, standards, and common approval conditions. This knowledge ensures consent applications meet requirements first time.

We Design to Code

Our drainage system designs meet Building Code requirements from the start. We don't design systems that won't pass inspection.

We Manage Inspections

We coordinate required council inspections, ensure work is ready for inspection, and address any inspector requirements.

We Provide Documentation

We supply producer statements and as-built drawings required for consent compliance and Code Compliance Certificates.

FAQs About Drainage Consents

Can I do my own drainage work if I get consent?

No. Drainage work requiring consent must be performed by licensed drainlayers. It's illegal for unlicensed individuals to perform this work, even on their own property.

How long does consent last?

Building consents typically have a two-year lapse period. You must substantially commence work within two years, or the consent lapses and you'll need to reapply.

What if my property is in a rural area?

Consent requirements apply throughout the Far North District, including rural areas. Rural properties often have additional considerations around septic systems and environmental protection.

Do I need resource consent too?

Some properties may need resource consent from Northland Regional Council in addition to building consent from FNDC. Your drainlayer can advise if resource consent applies to your situation.

Planning Your Drainage Project

For smooth consent compliance:

1. Engage a licensed drainlayer early in your planning
2. Allow adequate time for consent processing in your project schedule
3. Budget for consent fees in addition to construction costs
4. Don't commence work until consent is granted
5. Ensure required inspections occur at appropriate stages
6. Keep all consent documentation and Code Compliance Certificates

At Impact Drainage, we handle consent processes regularly and can guide you through requirements specific to your property and project. Contact us to discuss your drainage plans and ensure proper consent compliance from the start.