The Whakatāne District Council is launching an online building consents system next week, which will make the process of applying for and receiving consents faster and more convenient for all concerned.

While the existing paper-based system requires written forms to be lodged with the Council, the new system (which will ‘go live’ on 26 June) will provide a user-friendly, interactive portal that features far greater visibility of the application process for builders, agents and owners alike.

Council Planning, Regulatory and Corporate Services General Manager David Bewley says the system has been successfully trialled with a number of recent consent applicants and is expected to provide considerable benefits for users.

“Once either owners or builders have signed up and created an account, they can follow the progress of the consent and upload any further documentation that may be required throughout the process,” he says. “They can submit, track and view building consent applications, PIM requests, Code Compliance Certificates and Certificates of Acceptance, and they can also view inspection reports. In addition, they can communicate with the Building Team via the portal and provide any further information that may be required quickly and easily, without having to make an appointment and visit Council.”

From Monday, 26 June, building consent applications can be submitted online. If assistance is required, a link to a useful explanatory video is available on the same page on the Council website, or you can call the Council’s Building Control team on 07 306 0500.

The Council advises that the online process has some features which limit its suitability for mobile devices.