Solving Legacy Compliance Issues for an Industrial Warehouse

An industry warehouse faced significant compliance hurdles due to the legacy of staged consents through consenting, and unclear documentation during construction, and overlapping contractor changes. Farsight NZ stepped in to untangle the complexities, securing both a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) and a Certificate of Acceptance (CoA)—ensuring full compliance without disrupting operations.

The Challenge

In 2020, a building consent was applied to upgrade the warehouse’s sprinkler systems across two phases (Phase 1 and Phase 2), designed to align with a new layout. To minimize operational disruption, the work was proposed to be carried out in two phases under one single consent. However, during the RFI process, the BCA insisted on a staged consent approach, issuing approval only for Phase 1.

Over time, contractor changes led to confusion: Phase 2 was mistakenly completed without consent, and tenant-led alterations under a separate building consent further complicated the fire system’s compliance status. With no clear path forward, the client faced:

• Unconsented work in Phase 2 due to miscommunication.
• No documentation for the second phase’s sprinkler alterations.
• Uncertainty about how to resolve compliance gaps under the Building Act.

How Farsight NZ Helped

Farsight NZ conducted a thorough review of all documentation, stakeholder inputs, and onsite work. We determined that a Certificate of Acceptance (CoA) was the most viable solution for Phase 2’s unconsented work. Our team:

1. Clarified the scope: Provided detailed explanation of what happened and caused the confusion – identified scope of each application.
2. Coordinated stakeholders: Collaborated with subcontractors, the Council, and the client to align on compliance requirements and collate evidence.
3. Managed submissions: Prepared a detailed technical report and cover letter, justifying the CoA application and addressing legacy consent ambiguities.
4. Navigated grey areas: Provided a clear pathway to compliance under the Building Act, despite the project’s convoluted history.

The Outcome

Farsight NZ successfully secured:
✔ Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) for the original Phase 1 consented work.
✔ Certificate of Acceptance (CoA) for Phase 2’s unconsented alterations.

The warehouse is now fully certified, with no outstanding BCA/ TA issues. This case demonstrates Farsight NZ’s ability to:

• Resolve complex compliance puzzles involving historic consents and documentation gaps.
• Streamline approvals through expert Council negotiation and technical precision.
• Deliver cost-effective solutions without disrupting business operations.

Need Clarity on Compliance?

Whether it’s a CCC, CoA, or unresolved building consent issues, Farsight NZ provides the expertise to navigate New Zealand’s regulatory landscape. Contact us today for a solution tailored to your project.