Relocating Buildings

The following information relates to applications to relocate dwellings within the Hastings district. Before you do anything, talk with our staff about your plans and the information you will need to supply with your application.

Getting a building consent

A building consent is required for placing a building onto a new or an existing site so that standards are maintained for structure and drainage.  Refer to the Relocation Fact Sheet for a comprehensive list of the information you will need to supply so that your application can be considered.

• Relocation fact sheet (PDF 136kB)

You may require two building consents - one for removing a building from its existing site if it is within Hastings district (a demolition consent), and a second for relocating it to a new site - in which case you will need to fill out a separate application form for each consent.  

Do not assume that your removal company or the previous owner has arranged a building consent for your building’s removal.  It is the owner’s legal responsibility to ensure a consent has been obtained and you should ask to see a copy if you have asked a contractor to obtain one.

Building standards

Buildings in poor condition might not get approval for relocation within the district. Buildings from outside of the district and older than two years, require a comprehensive report from an engineer or building consultant.

Smoke alarms

When applying for a building consent for a relocate, you will also need to get smoke alarms installed.  Approved smoke detectors with hush buttons are to be installed in or within 3.0 metres of each sleeping space and in the escape routes on all levels within the household unit.

Council strongly recommends photo-electric smoke alarms fitted with five year lithium batteries.

Getting a resource consent

You will also need resource consent to relocate a building.  However you will not need resource consent if the building is:

• Relocated to a rural zone.
• A temporary building associated with construction work.

The minimum information needed for a resource consent application is:

• A completed application form.
• A dimensioned plan of the new site, showing the building’s location and distances to boundaries.
• Elevation plans showing the height of the building relative to the original ground level.
• Floor layout plans and foundation plans.
• A statement that gives details of the proposal, with emphasis on the proposed exterior work (e.g. painting, additions and alterations) intended to bring the building up to an acceptable standard.
• The current location of the building (to enable an inspection for bond purposes).

We will tell you whether or not your application will have to be publicly notified.

We will require a cash bond to ensure any work that is required to bring the building up to an acceptable standard is done.  Our staff will inspect the building and provide you with a list of any work that is required.  These improvements must be completed within six months of the building’s relocation.

Timeframe

Building consents can take up to 20 working days, assuming all information has been provided and is correct.  If a resource consent application is required but does not require public notification, it will also take up to 20 working days to process. We will tell you if more information is required before your application can be processed under the Building Act or Resource Management Act.

Costs

The fees for obtaining building consents and resource consents vary depending on the project and site.  Please refer to the Fees and Charges Schedule for a guide. A development contribution may also apply.

Please Note:

Before you commit to buying any house, or land to relocate a building onto, discuss your proposal fully with our staff so that we can help you avoid any unforeseen problems.

A relocated building must be fixed to its foundation.  Be sure to check with your removal contractor about who is responsible for this work.