Project information memorandum (PIM)
The purpose of a PIM
PIMs are voluntary and may not be needed for your project. They are appropriate, for example, at the design phase of complex projects. If you intend to apply for a PIM we recommend that you do this early on in the design process, as the information in the PIM may assist your designer to finalise your project documentation.
The purpose of a PIM is to summarise the property information known to the territorial authority relevant to a building project and advise what other authorisations are required for the project other than the building consent.
Although you can apply for a PIM at the same time as a building consent, it's better to do so beforehand, so you know all the matters that may affect your project before you submit a building consent application. If you are applying for a PIM only, you need to make it clear on the appropriate place on the form. With the application you will need to supply information on your project, including a site plan, floor plan, building elevations and proposed drainage plans, and a copy of either the Certificate of Title or Sale and Purchase Agreement (proof of ownership).
You can apply for a PIM usingObjective Build, our online consent application system.
Information contained in a PIM
A PIM must include information related to the property that could impact the project as below:
Authorisations | Drainage | Land information |
|---|---|---|
| Requirement to obtain a resource consent if the proposal does not comply with the district plan and/or the Resource Management Act. Requirement to obtain other authorisation from other Acts (e.g. food hygiene licences, alcohol licences). Requirement to obtain an evacuation scheme under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017. Notification to Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga if it is a listed property.If access and facilities for persons with disabilities are required. | Details relevant to the existing network utility connections (i.e. water, sewer, stormwater) to the property or adjacent to the property. | Each special feature/condition of the ground (e.g. erosion, natural hazards, including flooding, risk of contamination). Heritage status of the building. If section 75 (construction of building on 2 or more allotments) applies. |
How long does it take?
Council is required to issue the PIM within 20 working days of receiving the application form. If further information is required from the applicant a request for information will be sent and the processing clock put on hold until the material is received. The fee must be paid before the PIM can be issued. Please see the Fees & Charges page.
Please note
A PIM does not give any form of approval under the Building Act or the District Plan. Contact a Council planning officer (phone 03769 8600), or your own planning adviser, to determine whether your proposal complies with the District Plan. If it does not, and Resource Consent is required, you are strongly advised to obtain this before seeking Building Consent to avoid possible expensive changes to your proposal.
A PIM is not an approval to start work. Before you can start you will need a building consent.
