Nine steps from "is this even possible" to a lodged, certified consent application. Everything happens remotely.
Eight quick questions about your property and project. Takes about 3 minutes. We tell you immediately if it's a fit, needs a quick check, or needs a different kind of professional.
If you're a fit, you fill in the intake form: project details, a hand-drawn sketch of the existing and proposed layout with measurements, and a set of photos from a checklist we give you.
This lets us request your property records and lodge on your behalf. You can e-sign it or print, sign and send it back.
We request the Record of Title from LINZ and the council property file — you don't need to chase either of these yourself.
Floor and drainage plans, elevations, bracing calculations where relevant, spec schedule and the application form — built from your sketch, photos and property file.
A contracted LBP checks the file and signs the Certificate of Design Work for any Restricted Building Work. PlanPass is not itself a licensed building practitioner — this step is what makes the file council-ready.
We submit the application as your agent, using the signed Letter of Authority.
If the council comes back with a Request for Information, we respond on your behalf. Because the file is built to prevent them in the first place, this step is usually short or skipped entirely.
The council makes the final decision — we can't guarantee approval or a specific timeframe, but a well-prepared file gives it the best chance of moving straight through.
Council fees are separate. They're set and collected by your council directly, not by PlanPass — see the pricing page for typical ranges.