November started to see the seasonal drop in building consent applications with the last of the summer building plans getting sorted.

The Thames Coromandel District Council says the summer holiday period is traditionally when people carry out work on their homes and baches.

October was slightly up on last year for building works up to $100,000 with people leaving things a little later this year.

November's projects in this range have included everything from relocations of utilities and sheds for offices, to fireplace, carport and sleepout installations.

The TCDC there has been a lift in the number of projects in the $100,000 to $500,000 range over October and November.

'These included commercial work, new three and four bedroom home builds, and large luxury living and dining room extensions and additions.”

A small number of consents were still being granted in the $650,000 to $950,000 project range, featuring large four to five bedroom homes with dens, attached garaging, in-ground pools and other architecturally-designed features.

There has also been a reduction in lower-end consents since the government introduced more exemptions, like some garden sheds, cabins, sleepouts or repairs when certain specifications are met.

The Building Act has very specific specifications under each class of exemption, says council.

'For example, for sleepouts, exemption three gives a list of all the compliance clauses and requirements for the sleepout to be exempt from needing a Building Consent.

'This includes not exceeding 10 square metres, no more than one storey, not containing sanitary facilities, and more.”

But even if work is exempt from needing a building consent it may need a resource consent, especially in certain circumstances relating to decks.

Decks over 1.5m high from existing ground level must meet the same standards as buildings under the District Plan, for example day-lighting and yard setbacks.

'Designs that do not meet these standards require a resource consent,” says council. 'Decks in some zones, for example coastal or heritage, require a resource consent.”

Earthworks under the deck do not require a resource consent, but outside the building platform it must meet District Plan standards, for example gradient, face height, volume and area.

Earthworks that do not meet these standards require a resource consent.

Building consent will also be required for decks over 1.5m high from existing ground level and will need a safety barrier if there is a fall of more than 1m.

If you are needing planning advice over the summer you can speak with a Thames Coromandel District Council Duty Planners by calling 07-868-0200

To read more information for guidance around building click here.