Advice and information about building consents for large dams and their maintenance. Environment Canterbury has the responsibility of ensuring dams are well constructed, that large dams are regularly monitored and that the potential risks to people and property are minimised.
Building consents
Environment Canterbury has a statutory responsibility, under the Building Act 2004, for issuing building consents for large dams and ensuring ongoing dam safety. The Building Act 2004 was passed by government to improve the control of, and encourage better practices in, building design and construction.
Environment Canterbury was accredited by International Accreditation New Zealand, and is now registered as a Building Consent Authority with the Department of Building and Housing.
This function means that Environment Canterbury is responsible for ensuring dams are well constructed, that dams are regularly monitored and that the potential risks to people and property are minimised. This function does not replace the requirement for resource consents for damming, taking or diverting water under the Resource Management Act 1991. Any applicable resource consents will still be needed before a dam project commences.
Guides and brochures
Read a list of frequently asked questions about dams and their consents.
Dams: Customer guide to frequently asked questions (pdf 171kB)
A building consent is required for all structures that meet the definition of a large dam. Find out how you can obtain a building consent for your dam and your other obligations as a dam owner, including classifying and registering your dam and the ongoing dam safety requirements.
Dams: What you need to know (pdf 184kB)
Contact
For further advice and information, please contact Environment Canterbury.