From 1 July 2025 we're changing to a fees up front payment system. This means that payment is made at the application stage and when we have granted the application we can issue it to the customer at the same time - speeding up the turnaround time on building consents. Any additional processing time (recoverable on an actual and reasonable basis, as per the Building Act 2004 s281B) and planning/engineering approval charges (if applicable) will be invoiced at the end of processing.
Duty Building Service
If you are planning to build or alter an existing structure, carry out consented building work, or need clarity on the building requirements that apply to your project, our Duty Building Control Service can help guide you in the right direction.
Whether you’re starting a new project or just exploring your options, we can help with making building information clear and accessible.
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What is the Duty Building Control Service?
The Duty Building Control service gives you access to a member of Council’s building team who can help you understand the building rules that may apply to your proposal. They can also explain whether you may need a building consent and what the next steps could be.
What our Duty Building Control service can help with
Our Duty Building Control service can help answer queries on:
- Whether your proposal requires a building consent, or may be exempt
- What is required when applying for a building consent or amendment to a building consent
- Rules and regulations under the Building Act (such as s75 building across a boundary, s71-72 natural hazards, s112 alterations to buildings)
What our Duty Building Control service cannot help with
Our Duty Building Control service does not cover:
- Queries about resource consents, district plan rules, or zoning and planning overlays – please call 07 884 0060 and ask to speak to the Duty Planner, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Private property disputes, such as neighbour tree issues or fenceline issues, are generally matters between property owners. We recommend seeking advice from your lawyer. Otherwise, if Council does have involvement, please email your request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Private legal matters, including covenants/easements, usually fall outside Council’s role, and should be discussed with your lawyer. If Council does have involvement, please email your request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Suspected breaches of the District Plan or consent conditions - please call 07 884 0060 during business hours, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Engineering or servicing matters in relation to land development engineering & subdivision – please call 07 884 0060 and ask to speak to a Consents Engineer, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Queries about general stormwater flooding or MPDC’s Flood modelling and mapping - please call 07 884 0060 and ask to speak to an Asset Engineer.
- Plan Changes/Private Plan Changes or queries about proposed district plan hearings/submissions - please call 07 884 0060 and ask to speak to an RMA Policy Planner.
What our Duty Planner cannot help with
Our Duty Planner service does not cover:
- Queries about requirements under the Building Act – please call 07 884 0060 and ask to speak to the Duty Building Control Officer or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Private property disputes, such as neighbour tree issues or fenceline issues, are generally matters between property owners - We recommend seeking advice from your lawyer. Otherwise, if Council does have involvement, please email your request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Private legal matters, including covenants / easements, usually fall outside Council’s role – these should be discussed directly with your lawyer. If Council does have involvement, please email your request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Suspected breaches of the District Plan or consent conditions - please call 07 884 0060 during business hours, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Engineering or servicing matters in relation to land development engineering & subdivision – please call 07 884 0060 and ask to speak to a Consents Engineer, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Queries about general stormwater flooding or related to MPDC’s Flood modelling and mapping - please call 07 884 0060 and ask to speak to an Asset Engineer
- Plan Changes/Private Plan Changes or queries about proposed District Plan hearings/submissions - please call 07 884 0060 and ask to speak to an RMA Policy Planner
Before you contact us
Before contacting the Duty Building Control Officer, please have:
- the property address
- a short description of what you want to do
- any relevant site plans, sketches, or photos (if applicable)
- any existing building consent number (if known)
- the date the building consent was issued (if known).
For help understanding any of the information above, please click here or contact the Duty Building Control Officer for clarification.
How to access the Duty Building Control Service
Phone or email
Speak with a Duty BCO during our normal operating hours – Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm (excluding public holidays).
Phone: 07 884 0060 and ask to speak to the Duty BCO
You can also submit your building enquiry by email.
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
In-person enquiries
Customers are welcome to walk-in or arrange a time to meet with a Duty Building Control Officer (BCO) at our council offices.
Please be aware that Duty BCO availability can vary depending on staff workloads.
We highly recommend getting in touch with our Duty BCO first for a quick chat about your query. They can let you know whether a meeting (online or in person) would be useful and help organise a time to meet at one of our offices.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm (excluding public holidays)
Location for walk-ins: Matamata-Piako Civic and Memorial Centre, 11 Tainui Street, Matamata
Need a pre-application meeting?
We’re here to help. A pre‑application meeting can be a great way to explore your ideas - especially if your project is large or complex. A Duty BCO enquiry is best for simple or early-stage questions. Talking with us early on can give you confidence in your next steps, help you refine your proposal, and make the application process smoother.
If you're unsure whether a pre‑application meeting is right for you, feel free to get in touch - we’re happy to guide you.
Please note: The first 30 minutes of a pre‑application meeting is free. If the meeting runs longer, additional time will be charged. Visit page 11, MPDC’s Fees and Charges.
