Specified intended life

Most buildings are expected to have an indefinite life, exceeding 50 years. This means that the building or structure consented is permanent. Some buildings are intended to have a specified lifespan of less than 50 years.

You can request an extension for the specified intended life for these buildings. 

Request an extension of life

The building owner may request an extension to the stated specified life.

We will need to be reasonably satisfied that the building can continue to satisfactorily perform to the building code for the requested extension period.

The extension should not be confused with any guarantees or service life of building products or durability times stated in documents like the building code or similar.  It relates to how long the building or structure is going to be in place and used for.

By email

Step 1.Provide written notice

Written notice is required to extend the life of a building. This must be undertaken before the date specified in the condition of the building consent.

Step 2.Email to us

Email your written notice to: 

Email: mailroom@wdc.govt.nz

Step 3.Assessment

We will inspect the building to ascertain its current condition and performance to the code. If the building is already failing in some respects to the building code, the extension may not be possible to grant. 

If it is reasonable, extension will be given in writing.

By post

Step 1.Provide written notice

Written notice is required to extend the life of a building. This must be undertaken before the date specified in the condition of the building consent.

Step 2.Post to us

Post your written notice to: 

Whangarei District Council 
Private Bag 9023
Te Mai
Whangārei 0143

Attn: The Manager - Building Control

Step 3.Assessment

We will inspect the building to ascertain its current condition and performance to the code. If the building is already failing in some respects to the building code, the extension may not be possible to grant. 

If it is reasonable, extension will be given in writing.

Temporary buildings or buildings intended to last less than 50 years are referred to as buildings with a specified intended life. These may be structures or buildings with a specific purpose or use. 

These factors and the building's intended life need to be stated on the building consent application. We will then consider whether the methods and materials will perform adequately.

If a building consent is issued for a building with a specified intended life, it will be a condition of the building consent that the building will be altered, demolished or removed before the end of this stated life.

Section 113 of Building Act 2004

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