Building Location Certificates

The location of each building that has been consented involving new structures must be confirmed.  How this is done will vary depending on the complexity of the work, its location, planning rules and the methods available to confirm the location.

A Building Location Certificate (BLC) is a certificate from a surveyor, which confirms that the building and floor level are in accordance with the approved building consent.  This is normally done when the boxing or formwork is in place, but before the concrete is poured.

The requirement for a BLC may not be necessary during construction providing the plans are suitable, and demonstrate that your project:

• Is greater than 200mm from the recession plane
• Is located further than 1 meter off a boundary or easement
• Is not located on a challenging site e.g. Steep gradient 
• If FFL meets minimum level, this may not be obvious from the plans, and may be requested on-site at the first inspection.  NOTE:  Any changes to FFL may need a certificate and planning approval
• Does not have critical exterior fire protection measures (i.e. where minimum distance to a boundary is critical for the control of external fire spread)
• The land is not subject to a natural hazard as per section 71

Note: if you need a BLC don’t wait until the day the concrete truck pulls up. Getting a building in the wrong spot or at the wrong height can be an extremely expensive error.

A BLC may be a requirement that the processor has stipulated on the Consent Advice notes. Small lots with critical distances can create this scenario.

Inspections must be failed if the location and floor height of the building cannot be confirmed on site by the inspector and the BLC is required. This may be required as a result of two different situations:

1. An Advice note has been entered by the processor requiring a BLC due to the critical elements detailed above or;
2. The inspector cannot locate ‘reliable’ pegs that can be measured to the building at right angles. 

Scenario: Foundation has been prepared, inspector is happy except a BLC is required and not available.

Inspection fails on the question of siting and/or FFL confirmation. While a reinspection is not required, a block will be added for further inspections until the BLC has been provided at which time the block will be lifted.  

Please note that the inspector has a limited time on site and it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the lines are set up and ready for measurement if the second situation is applicable.