If your project is particularly complex or large, you would usually engage a professional to help you with the process. You can expect that professional to be aware of any issues; however, it's still a good idea to speak with Council staff early in the process. This will help to ensure the correct information is included when you lodge your application.

We recommend you request a pre-application meeting if you're thinking of starting these types of projects:

• Recladding with E2 risk score >12, including specific design
• Recladding of classroom/schools
• Over-cladding
• Complex residential dwelling e.g. apartments, more than three dwellings on site
• Complex commercial projects
• Change of use of a building e.g. commercial to residential or vice versa
• Building over two or more allotments
• Certificate of acceptance
• Temporary structures for large public events
• Any other complex project

Cost

• The charge for a one-hour meeting (or part thereof) is $100 (including GST).
• If the meeting is more than one hour, an hourly rate of $100, charged by the minute, will apply.
• An invoice will be forwarded to you after the meeting, along with a copy of the meeting minutes.

Informal meetings

We're happy to meet with you to discuss any type of building proposal. Please note, any informal enquiry that can't be resolved within 15 minutes might incur a charge.

Enquiries that don't relate to an existing consent can be emailed to duty.bco@whakatane.govt.nz

Request a meeting

You can request a pre-application meeting by completing and submitting the online form.