Master and Dependent building consents

We will assess them all as if it were one consent application but still issue individual building consents and Code Compliance Certificates per unit.

When you should use a Master and Dependent application

Use the Master and Dependent process when only one assessment is required, but you would like a Code Compliance Certificate for each individual unit.

We recommend a pre-application meeting so we can provide information and discuss the requirements.

Benefits of a Master and Dependent application

• Identification of properties is simplified, leading to a more efficient inspection process.
• Faster inspection and Code Compliance Certificate processes.
• Issuing a Code Compliance Certificate for each unit means houses can be occupied as they are completed.
• Less issues with conveyancing for future owners of the property.
• The assessment of other units is not held up if there is an issue with one.
• Our property data records will clearly identify which consent relates to which unit.
• You only have to lodge one application and respond to one request for further information.

Master and Dependent application charges

Each unit is charged a fixed fee for administration (based on current hourly rate) and document management.

This will increase your fees a little upon application, but you should see a cost saving across consenting and Code Compliance Certificate charges, as Master and Dependent applications are faster to process.

Master and Dependent application criteria

Your Master and Dependent application needs to meet one of the following criteria:

• Be a duplex or semi-detached unit, e.g. two residential units attached to each other via a shared wall.
• Be a block of terraced units with three or fewer similar buildings, e.g. where three or more houses are joined by their side walls.
• Be a series of exact repeat standalone units within the same lot or adjacent site.

We recommend that your application is only for one block of units. If you would like to submit an application for more than six units, talk to us first to work out the best approach.

This can be discussed at your pre-application meeting.

You cannot submit a Master and Dependent application for apartment buildings or buildings with a horizontal fire rating.

How to make a Master and Dependent application

You can only apply online, from the building consent application page.

While you only need to submit one online application, it needs to include a completed application form for each specific unit. Attach the additional forms as PDF documents to your application.

In your application, in all descriptions of the work, include the term "Master and Dependent" at the start. For example:

Master and Dependent – Lot 1 of 6 (Master of Lot 1-6) – New two storey dwelling, part of a block of 6 terrace houses. Includes 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms and kitchen.

Master and Dependent – Lot 2 of 6 (Dependent to Lot 1) – New two storey dwelling, part of a block of 6 terrace houses. Includes 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms and kitchen.

Also include the following:

• a covering letter letting us know you are lodging a Master and Dependent application
• one set of documents covering all the units
• plans and specifications clearly set out the specific building types, including which information applies to each unit
  
• one site plan per unit
• leave enough space on each plan page for one stamp.

Payment of deposit for a Master and Dependent application

You need to pay only one deposit when you apply.