Timeframes for processing building consents
Building consent authorities (BCAs) have a number of working days to process an application, set by legislation:
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20 working days for most applications
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10 working days for standardised designs for multiple use approved designs, like the MBIE MultiProof® scheme
This period sets a limit on the time used to process your application while still allowing enough time for it to be properly vetted by qualified staff, to be confident your proposed work meets the requirements of the Building Code.
The Clock
The time limit allowed for processing an application is set under Section 48 (1A) of the Building Act 2004 and is commonly called the statutory clock.
The clock starts when the BCA accepts your application. That is, after you submit your application, it passes initial vetting for completeness and is lodged in the BCA's system.
The clock is paused if BCA staff need more information. They send you a request for information and then pause the clock until you have responded with the requested information. The statutory timeframe allows the BCA to pause the clock to exclude the days that the application is put on hold.
The clock restarts if the information you provide is sufficient and adequate for the BCA staff to make a decision. The BCA starts the clock on the next working day after they receive the information.
The clock stops when the BCA makes the decision to grant your consent.
Objective Build displays the statutory clock as part of the progress information on a lodged application or on a consent on the Application Overview and Consent Overview pages.
