Learn how to reduce RFIs and speed up building consents
Better documentation, searchable PDFs, and clear compliance details can significantly reduce consent delays. The building consent process is a critical part of delivering safe, durable, and code-compliant buildings. But for many designers, it can feel more like a roadblock than a gateway.
A recent research report, “Transforming Building Consenting Behaviour for Better Housing”, explored how the system can be improved to make it faster, clearer, and more effective. This article outlines the key findings and what they mean for Design LBPs, along with practical tips to help you reduce delays and improve your consent documentation.
Why change is needed
The Building Act 2004 sets performance requirements, but it doesn’t prescribe exactly how to design or build to meet them. While this flexibility supports innovation, it can also create uncertainty.
Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) often issue Requests for Information (RFIs) to ensure your design complies with the Building Code. Research shows RFIs are one of the biggest causes of consent delays—often triggered by missing, unclear, or incorrectly formatted documentation. For designers, this means more time answering questions and less time designing.
Key findings from the report
1. Documentation quality matters
Most RFIs were caused by missing or incorrect documentation. Structural bracing calculations, roof bracing details, and similar items were frequently incomplete. This highlights the importance of providing clear, complete, and accurate information upfront.
2. Searchable PDFs are essential
Councils need to quickly locate key information within your plans and specifications. The report recommends using fully searchable PDFs for all consent documents. This simple step can save review time and reduce RFIs.
3. Standardisation helps everyone
Using consistent document naming, structure, and layout helps BCAs process applications more easily. Standardisation reduces confusion and improves the overall quality of your submission.
4. Focus on key code clauses
Many RFIs relate to two key Building Code areas:
- B1 Structure
- E2 External Moisture
Practical tips for Design LBPs
Here’s what you can do to improve your consent applications:
- Provide complete information
Double-check that all required documents are included. Use council checklists to ensure nothing is missing. - Make it easy to read
Use clear titles, consistent formatting, and searchable PDFs. Avoid scanned images that can’t be searched. - Show compliance clearly
Include calculations, details, and references to standards such as NZS 3604:2011 for timber framing. Bracing and roof details should be easy to locate. - Think ahead
If your design uses alternative solutions, explain them clearly and provide supporting evidence. This helps reduce back‑and‑forth communication with the council.
Why this matters
Better documentation means fewer RFIs, faster consents, and happier clients. It also strengthens your reputation as a professional who delivers quality work.
By following these principles, you help transform the consenting system into one that supports good design and better housing outcomes.
Codewords Quiz
- What is the main reason councils issue RFIs during the consent process?
a) To check the builder’s qualifications
b) Missing or unclear documentation
c) To delay the project
d) To change the design - Which Building Code clauses are most often linked to RFIs?
a) G4 Ventilation and H1 Energy Efficiency
b) B1 Structure and E2 External Moisture
c) F6 Lighting and G12 Water Supplies
d) C Protection from Fire - What is one simple step you can take to make your consent documents easier to process?
a) Use handwritten notes
b) Submit documents as scanned images
c) Provide searchable PDFs
d) Leave out bracing calculations
This article is relevant to the Design class
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Answers
1: b. Missing or unclear documentation
2: b. B1 Structure and E2 External Moisture
3: c. Provide searchable PDFs