Proper care must be taken with the design and installation of all parts of solid fuel heaters and their hearths and flues.

Manufacturer's recommendations in connection with these appliances must be carefully followed. Any variation should first be discussed with a building inspector.

Particular care must be taken when installing a built-in solid fuel heater into an existing fire place. (Please note that for an in-built fireplace an inspection is required before fitting the unit.)

All materials adjacent to these heaters must be properly protected by maintaining clearances or by the use of adequate screening. On no account should clearances to hot surfaces be altered, protective screens removed, or flue shields air spaces be blocked.

Solid fuel heaters must be regularly cleaned and checked for soundness - the best time for such inspection being autumn well before the heating season.

Solid fuel heaters work best on the fuel they were designed for and alternative fuels may damage the heater; refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for fuel type.

SMOKE ALARMS SHOULD BE FITTED TO ALL BUILDINGS WITH OR WITHOUT HEATERS.

• Smoke alarms should be situated in every bedroom or within 3 metres of the bedroom door and in exit ways.
• Heat pumps, heat transfer systems, air conditioners and gas heaters DO NOT require a building consent, but it is advised that a Certificate of Complicance be obtained from the installer
• A Code of Compliance be obtained from the Council before first lighting of fire
• Wood burners ALL need a Building Consent.
• If your section is less than 2.0 hectares, Eco type fires can only be installed.
• If your section is more than 2.0 hectares any fire may be installed.
• There are only a few fires that can be installed with a wet back.
• A registered plumber is required to hook up the wet back and install a temperature limiting valve.
• The Central Hawke's Bay District Council encourages the use of higher valve installation and double glazing.
• Under floor insulation can add to the warmth of the building.
• If you require further information regarding Building Consents or Home Heating contact the Council 06-857-8060

A Building Consent is required before any fireplace is installed

You need a fireplace consent when:

Installing or replacing a new or second hand freestanding or inbuilt Fireplace.

How do I apply?

You will need to complete a fireplace consent application form. This is also available from the Waipukurau Library and Service Centre in Kitchener Street, Waipukurau or the main Council Office at 32 Ruataniwha Street, Waipawa. You may also phone Council on 06-857-7731 or e-mail the Building Control Administrator and request that a form be posted to you.

Who do I call?

If you would like more information regarding your building consent please e-mail or phone Building Control Administrator on 06-857-7731.

What we need from you

Once you have completed the application form you need to forward it along with the appropriate fee to Council either by dropping it into our Waipukurau or Waipawa office or posting it to:

Central Hawke's Bay District Council
PO Box 127
WAIPAWA 4240

The application form should include with it:

• Two copies of the manufacturer's specifications, giving details of the correct method of installation, recommended clearance distances from combustible elements and flue kits
• Two copies of the site plan (scale 1:100)
• Two copies of single-line drawing (approx 1:100 scale) of the room layout of the house showing the position of the fire place.

The name of the installer must be noted on the application form.

If the heater has a wetback which is to be connected to your hot water system the name of a registered plumber who will be responsible for the work must be included.

Note:

• If the appliance is second hand and no installation details are available the unit will be required to be installed to NZS7210.
• There may be extra cost for the Building Consent due to search time needed to check the appliance against our library of heater installation details.
• All installations with a wet back are required to be fitted with a temperature limiting device.
• All fire places must be suitably restrained to resist earthquakes.

Inbuilt fireplaces

Appliances which are to be fitted to existing fireplaces require a building consent. You will need to check that none of the timber framing around the fireplace is in contact with or closer than 50mm to the fire surround, and that the mantle place is clear of the top of the fire by 500mm, as required by the manufacturer's installation instructions.

The process

The building Inspector will approve the fire place consent application form and will inspect the fireplace installation once completed, or for an Inbuilt they will check it prior to installation and once completed.

How long will it take?

You will be notified of the result of your application within ten working days of receipt of the full application and fee.

Fees

• Inbuilt Fireplaces $220
• Freestanding Fireplaces $220
• Pot Belly Fireplaces $220
• Any of the above with a wetback $220

Note: The information contained on this page can only be used as a guide. Any questions should be discussed with the Regulatory Services Department before starting any work.

Other Information

For an indepth Schedule of Fees and Charges 2009/2010 please click here