G-05 Draft guide · review pending
PIM, council notification and completion records
Understand what happens before, during and after an exempt small stand-alone dwelling build.
Representative design only.
Source: Ready to Build
A PIM is required—but it is not approval
If you rely on the Building Act small stand-alone dwelling exemption, apply for the required Project Information Memorandum and wait for it to be issued before building work starts. Once the council has a complete application, the statutory issue period is generally 10 working days. The PIM supplies information; it is not a building consent, resource consent or confirmation that the proposal qualifies.
Keep the two pathways separate
Gate 1
Building Act
Exemption conditionsEvery section 42B and Schedule 1A condition must be met.
Gate 2
Planning rules
RMA planning pathwayNES-DMRU, district-plan and regional-plan rules apply separately.
Passing one pathway does not pass the other.
Before building work starts
- 01/
Prepare the application information
Work with the required licensed people and check the council’s current Form 2AA checklist, portal and fee.
- 02/
Apply and wait for the PIM
Do not begin building work before the PIM has been issued. Resolve any request for further information.
- 03/
Resolve what the PIM reveals
Update the design, approvals and budget for site, infrastructure, hazard, bylaw or planning information.
- 04/
Track the two-year deadline
Complete the work within two years of issue unless the council grants more time. Seek any extension before the PIM lapses.
During construction, create the evidence
Council does not carry out routine inspections for this exempt work. Agree a monitoring plan and keep dated plans, variations, photos, test results, product information, warranties, producer statements and professional reports.
Completion record sequence
| Stage | Records | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Trades complete their scope | Applicable Records of Work and regulated trade certificates | Collect as each scope finishes |
| Project completion | Accurate final plans and design Certificates of Work | Before the submission pack |
| Council submission | Completion pack and any Form 3A payment | Within 20 working days after completion |
Next step
Start with the two property-specific pathways
Check the Building Act and planning pathways before applying, then use the issued PIM information to resolve property, design and programme questions before construction.
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