What is a COA?
A Certificate of Acceptance is a formal approval issued by Auckland Council for building work completed without the required building consent, or where a Code Compliance Certificate cannot be obtained.
It provides recognition that completed work complies with the New Zealand Building Code as far as can be determined by Council. A COA does not replace the value of getting consent before work starts, but it can provide a formal assessment pathway after work has already been completed.
When a COA may be considered
Owners may need to consider a COA when previous work is discovered during sale, lease, insurance, compliance review, or building upgrade planning. The exact pathway depends on the nature of the work and Council's assessment requirements.
- 01 Identify the completed work and why consent history is unclear.
- 02 Review available plans, photos, reports, and contractor records.
- 03 Confirm what inspections or specialist statements may be needed.
- 04 Prepare supporting documentation for the application.
- 05 Respond to Council requests for further information if required.
Evidence that can help
Useful records may include drawings, specifications, photographs, invoices, producer statements, inspection reports, fire reports, maintenance records, and details of who completed the work. The more clearly the work can be described, the easier it is to prepare a practical application package.
COAs and compliance schedules
If the work affects specified systems, the COA process may also raise questions about the building's compliance schedule, inspection procedures, and future BWOF obligations. Those items should be reviewed together so the building records stay aligned.
What can slow an application?
Applications can become harder when records are missing, work is concealed, specialist statements are needed, or the completed work affects life-safety systems. Early document review helps identify those gaps before an application is lodged.
COA application support
COAs are commonly required when unconsented building work, missing consent documentation, or unresolved Code Compliance Certificate issues are identified during compliance schedule reviews, Council inspections, or property transactions.
Prestige assists building owners throughout the COA process by helping identify compliance issues, prepare supporting documentation, coordinate specialist input, and liaise with Auckland Council to achieve the best possible outcome.
- Review property files, building consent history, and historical building records.
- Identify unconsented building work and assess likely COA requirements.
- Prepare and submit COA applications and supporting documentation.
- Coordinate architects, engineers, IQPs, contractors, and other specialist input.
- Liaise with Auckland Council throughout the application and approval process.
- Assist with Council inspections, information requests, and follow-up responses.
- Provide guidance on remedial works required to satisfy Building Code requirements.