Certificate of Acceptance (COA) : Guide to Legalising Unconsented Building Work

Many buildings in New Zealand have been built or changed without proper Council approval. If a building consent was not obtained, or too much time has passed to get a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC), the Council may not be sure if the work meets safety and building standards.If you have a property with unapproved work, you can apply for a Certificate of Acceptance (COA) to make it legal. The Council may also issue a Section 95A Letter or a Notice to Fix (NTF) to address any problems.

What is a COA?

A COA is a certificate from the Council that confirms that unapproved building work meets current building rules. It is harder, more expensive, and takes longer than getting building consent before starting work.

When Do You Need a COA?

You may need a COA if:

• Building work was done without the required consent.
• A building certifier or Council refuses to issue a Code Compliance Certificate.
• Work started before 31 March 2005 and affects public spaces.
• Urgent work was done for safety reasons without time to get consent.

When a COA Cannot Be Issued?

A COA cannot be issued if:

• The work was done before 1 July 1992 (before modern building laws started).
• A building consent was issued but later expired.

For work done before 1 July 1992, you will need a Safe and Sanitary Report instead. This report does not approve the work but confirms if the building is safe to use.

How Long & How Much Does It Cost?

A COA usually takes 20 working days, but can take longer if extra information is needed. Costs vary depending on the work.

Do You Need Resource Consent Too?

Some unapproved work also needs retrospective resource consent. If you're unsure, ask the Council or a planning expert.

Need Help?

Getting a COA can be complicated, but professional help makes it easier. Eutopia Arch NZ can guide you through the process and help you get your building work approved.

Key Points to Remember:

Getting a COA can be complicated, but professional help makes it easier. Eutopia Arch NZ can guide you through the process and help you get your building work approved.

• A COA makes unapproved building work legal.
• Work must meet today’s building standards, not the rules from when it was built.
• Work done before 1 July 1992 needs a Safe and Sanitary Report instead.
• Getting expert advice can save time, money, and legal trouble.

For help with your COA, contact Eutopia Arch NZ to make the process simple and stress-free.