Code Compliance Certificate vs Certificate of Acceptance
A CCC is issued when building work passes council inspection and complies with the consent. A Certificate of Acceptance is issued when work was done without a building consent — it acknowledges the work exists but does not confirm it fully complies with the Building Code.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Code Compliance Certificate | Certificate of Acceptance |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Local council (Building Consent Authority) | Local council (Building Consent Authority) |
| Cost | Included in building consent fees (typically $0 additional) | $400-$2,000+ depending on scope and council |
| Turnaround | Issued after final inspection passes — 20 working days statutory | Varies widely — weeks to months depending on complexity |
| Consent required beforehand | Yes — a building consent must be in place | No — issued specifically when no consent was obtained |
| Level of compliance assurance | Full — council confirms work complies with Building Code | Partial — council acknowledges work but cannot confirm full compliance |
| Impact on insurance | No issues — standard coverage applies | Some insurers may limit or exclude coverage for CoA work |
| Impact on resale | Clean record — no title or consent concerns | May raise buyer concerns and affect sale price |
| Council liability | Council has liability for inspection accuracy | Council accepts no liability — risk sits with the owner |
Code Compliance Certificate Explained
A Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) is the formal sign-off from the council that completed building work meets the approved building consent and complies with the New Zealand Building Code. It is issued after the council's building inspector conducts a final inspection and is satisfied the work has been done properly.
The CCC is the gold standard of building compliance. It means the work was consented before it started, inspected during construction at key stages, and verified as compliant upon completion. The council carries some liability for the accuracy of its inspections, which provides an additional layer of protection for the property owner.
When reviewing a property's consent history, you want to see a CCC for every building consent. Missing CCCs are a significant due diligence concern.
Certificate of Acceptance Explained
A Certificate of Acceptance (CoA) is issued by the council when building work was carried out without a building consent, or when the building consent has lapsed. The CoA acknowledges that the work exists and that the council has assessed it to the extent it reasonably can, but it does not confirm full compliance with the Building Code.
The key difference is that the council could not inspect the work during construction. Hidden elements — foundations, framing, insulation, waterproofing membranes — cannot be verified after the fact without destructive investigation. The council therefore accepts no liability for the CoA work, and the risk sits entirely with the property owner.
CoAs are common on older properties where additions or renovations were done without consent, often before homeowners were aware of consent requirements. They are a practical solution for regularising unconsented work, but they carry more risk than a proper CCC.
Do You Need Both?
You do not choose between them — they serve different situations. If you are buying a property, you want to see CCCs for all building work. If some work only has a CoA, that is a yellow flag that requires further investigation. You may want a more thorough building inspection of the CoA work, and your lawyer should advise on the risk implications.
Which Should You Get First?
This is not a sequential choice. When reviewing a property's consent history, check whether each building consent has a corresponding CCC. If you find work with only a CoA (or neither), flag this with your lawyer and building inspector immediately. The CoA work should receive extra scrutiny during the building inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a CCC for work that only has a Certificate of Acceptance?
No. A CCC can only be issued for work that had a building consent in place before construction. Once work is done without consent, the CoA is the highest level of sign-off available. You cannot retrospectively obtain a CCC.
Will a Certificate of Acceptance affect my ability to get a mortgage?
It depends on the lender and the scope of the work. Minor CoA work (like a garden shed) is unlikely to cause issues. Major structural work with only a CoA may concern some lenders, particularly if it raises questions about weathertightness or structural integrity.
How do I apply for a Certificate of Acceptance?
Apply to your local council with details of the work, any available plans or documentation, and the required fee. The council will inspect the visible aspects of the work and assess compliance to the extent possible. Processing times and costs vary by council and the complexity of the work.
Related Terms
Code Compliance Certificate (CCC)
GlossaryAn official council certificate confirming that completed building work meets the requirements of the building consent and the Building Code.
Certificate of Acceptance
GlossaryA retrospective approval issued by the council for building work that was done without a building consent, or where the building consent has lapsed.
Building Consent
GlossaryOfficial council approval required before you can carry out most building work in New Zealand.
LIM Report
GlossaryA Land Information Memorandum — an official council report summarising everything the council knows about a property.
LIM Report vs Title Search
CompareA LIM report tells you what the council knows about a property. A title search shows who owns it and what legal interests are registered against it. You need both.
LIM Report vs Building Report
CompareA LIM tells you what the council knows on paper. A building report tells you the physical condition of the property. They cover completely different things — get both.
Building Report vs Building Consent Search
CompareA building report is a physical inspection of the property by a qualified inspector. A building consent search is a paper-based check of what building consents the council has on file. One tells you the condition; the other tells you the compliance history.
Make Smarter Property in New Zealand Decisions
Get clarity on property documents, titles, and risks with AI analysis.
No commitment required · Start free