Tell us in your building consent application (Form 2) which plumbing and/or drainlaying you want to self-certify and show it clearly on your plans and specifications.
Self-certification for plumbing and drainlaying
From 7 September 2026, eligible plumbing and drainlaying can be certified by an endorsed plumber or drainlayer instead of being inspected by Council. This is called self-certification, and using it is your choice.
What does self-certification mean?
If you choose self-certification, an endorsed plumber or drainlayer certifies that the eligible plumbing or drainlaying complies with your building consent and gives the Council a certificate of compliance. The Council does not inspect that work — the endorsed practitioner takes full responsibility for it. We still process your building consent, check the plans against the Building Code, and issue your code compliance certificate (CCC) as usual..
What plumbing and drainlaying can be self-certified?
Self-certification is only for certain plumbing and drainlaying. In general, the work can be self-certified if:
the building is three storeys or fewer and has no apartments;
the work is sanitary plumbing or drainlaying that needs a building consent;
it is designed to an Acceptable Solution or Verification Method (or is a qualifying on-site system, such as an on-site wastewater system, where none applies); and
it is not excluded work — for example, plumbing that passes through a fire separation, plumbing in a common wall, or alternative solutions (other than on qualifying on-site systems).
If you are not sure whether your work qualifies, talk to us before you apply.
How to use self-certification
More information
See MBIE's guidance for homeowners for more information. For questions, contact the Customer Service team in Reefton or Westport.
