Council Upgrades Building Consent Tool
Property news is presented by
Invercargill's building consent process is getting a new online home from September 14, when council switches from its current platform, Simpli, to a system called Objective Build.
The change affects anyone applying for a building consent — builders, architects, designers, homeowners. Objective Build was developed after engagement with more than 100 industry professionals across New Zealand, which at least suggests it was built with real users in mind rather than just council staff.
Invercargill City Council consenting and applications manager Gillian Cavanagh said applying for a building consent was a complex process, and making it easier for customers to submit information, track their application and respond to requests was the point of the switch.
"Objective Build will provide a more modern and consistent online experience and will give our customers greater visibility of their applications," Cavanagh said.
Applications already moving through Simpli will stay on that system — they won't be transferred across mid-process. Council says it will contact affected customers directly about any steps required during the transition.
Anyone thinking about lodging a new consent application in the week before September 14 is being encouraged to hold off and wait for the new system to go live, if they can.
Cavanagh acknowledged there would be an adjustment period. "Our focus is on making the transition as smooth as possible and ensuring customers and industry have the information they need to continue progressing their building projects," she said.
Information on the switch is available on the Invercargill City Council website.