Tips to keep work moving with BCAs remotely

Whether you're a developer, designer or contractor affected by the COVID-19 lockdown, you can still progress your consenting-related activities by maintaining contact with your Building Consent Authority (BCA). The information below is an overview of your options, but you should check your Council's website for any specific information they've posted.

Here are a few key points you need to know:

• All Council physical offices are closed.
• Each Council will have nominated specific staff as contacts for specific duties. When you check your Council's website, please ensure you contact the right person(s) and don't phone your usual contact unless they are listed.
• BCA staff have been directed to work from home.
• For some Councils, the move for BCA staff to work remotely has posed some logistical hurdles. However, all parties are working hard to continue to improve remote system access and communications.
• There is no facility at any Council to deposit hard copy plans or consent documentation at the front desk at present.
• BCAs are likely only receiving consent documentation that is sent digitally. If you've already provided hardcopy documentation, responses may be digital. You should check with your BCA to ensure that this is the case.
• BCA Inspection staff are generally only available onsite for essential services. Some Councils provide an option for remote inspection and may continue to offer this service to customers who have this facility via Artisan.

With the above in mind, Councils are keen for you to continue to engage with their building consenting staff. This is the perfect opportunity for you to work with their staff to clear outstanding consent issues and ensure your projects are Restart ready.

Progress your project work with BCAs by doing the following:

• Your first step should be checking your Council's website to see which consenting functions are still being undertaken and which have been suspended.
• Work on clearing all outstanding Requests for Information (RFIs) required for consent approval by your BCA.
• Apply for a required Code of Compliance Certificate (CCC) if you're able to do so now.
• Complete and submit required Producer Statement documentation.
• Submit Building Warrant of Fitness (BWoF) documentation for outstanding building inspections undertaken.
• If you're looking to register as an Independent Qualified Person (IQP), get the application form from your BCA and complete the requirements checklist.

New building consents work is still business as usual, but only via digital submission.

Now's the time to not only get on top of consenting requirements but to also help BCA's help you. Everyone in the chain wants to ensure when the Restart occurs, there aren't any hold-ups. You can do your bit by clearing outstanding consenting issues on your projects now.