Building consent not needed for gasfitting
The Department of Building and Housing has been asked to clarify whether a building consent is needed for gasfitting.
Under the Building Act 2004, energy work (which includes gasfitting) is exempt from the need to have a building consent, unless it relates to a specified system.
However, gas work shown on a building consent application is subject to normal building consent processes unless the applicant specifically states that the building consent is not being sought for the energy work. This applies to gasfitting in both new and existing buildings.
Gasfitting work includes:
- installing a gas heater or cooker
- building the flue, if any
- installing the gas supply pipe
- ensuring there is enough air for complete combustion
- ensuring proper separation of the flue from combustible surfaces
- providing seismic restraint
- installing flue flashing
- creating external wall and roof penetrations
- maintaining building structural elements.
Under the Gas Regulations 1993, all gasfitting must be certified by a craftsman gasfitter. When the work is completed, the gasfitter must issue the building owner with an energy work certificate.