PIMs & Why You Need One

A project information memorandum (PIM) is a report that outlines any information or special features of the land, as well as regulatory requirements that may impact/be relevant to building on that site. The report is prepared by Council and provides a basis of information for all parties involved in the project.

Although not mandatory, Council recommends that everyone applies for a PIM when creating new dwellings, commercial projects and other large or significant building activities. A PIM also assists in the building consent process. It identifies whether there is need for a consent, assists in the information and requirements for service connections/disconnections, as well as providing the owner any information that Council has on the land on which you intend to build.

You must provide Council with a completed application form, as well as:

• Details of where the building work will be carried out
• Details on the type of work that will be carried out
• Specific details if the use of the site/building is to be changed
• The estimated value of the building work
• Previous consents issued for the project
• Subdivision details
• Any other information that may be required by Council
• Considerations of any existing drains or sewers close to wells or water mains

The PIM will include information that relates to the proposed building work. This includes:

• Information that identifies special features of the land (if any)
• Information that has been provided to the territorial authority by a statutory authority (in relation to the building site)
• Information on existing storm/waste water systems (on or near the building site)
• Information of any requirements to be met and conditions in regards to the building site that may not be accessible under other Acts
• Confirmation that building work may be carried out on the site (as long as other documentation is applied for and approved) OR notification that the proposed work had been refused

Read more about PIM’s here.

Please note, under the Building Act 2004-

37 Territorial authority must issue certificate if resource consent required

(1) This section applies if a territorial authority considers that

1. a resource consent under the Resource Management Act 1991 has not yet been obtained; and
2. the resource consent will or may materially affect building work to which a project information memorandum or an application for a building consent relates.

(2) The territorial authority must issue a certificate, in the prescribed form, to the effect that until the resource consent has been obtained:

1. no building work may proceed; or
2. building work may only proceed to the extent stated in the certificate.

(3) The certificate must b:

1. attached to the project information memorandum; or
2. if no project information memorandum has been applied for, provided to the building consent authority.

Refer to our District Plan to check if you need a resource consent. If you are not sure contact us.