All fireplaces and wood burners need a building consent. It is considered 'building work' under the Building Act 2004. However, also influencing this area is the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards Relating to Certain Air Pollutants, Dioxins, and Other Toxics) Regulations 2004.
Resource Management (National Environmental Standards Relating to Certain Air Pollutants, Dioxins, and Other Toxics) Regulations 2004
The restrictions on open fireplaces are contained in the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards Relating to Certain Air Pollutants, Dioxins, and Other Toxics) Regulations 2004. They state that you are not permitted to install an open fireplace in any dwelling if that dwelling is situated on any property having an area of two (2) hectares or less. The regulations are designed to reduce air pollution in urban or closely populated areas. An open fireplace can therefore only be installed in a dwelling on larger properties.
For free-standing and built-in fire appliances, only an approved fire appliance can be installed in a dwelling on any property. A list of approved appliances can be found on the Ministry for the Environment website.
Using an Approved Installer
- You are allowed to install the appliance yourself but it is a specialised job that not everyone is capable of.
- It is best left to the experts.
- If you use an 'approved' installer and a producer statement (as defined by the Building Act 2004) is provided you will not need an inspection by a Council inspector.