Project Information Memorandum (PIM)
A Project Information Memorandum (PIM) is a report issued under Section 35 of the Building Act 2004. It summarises information Council holds on record about a property that may affect a proposed building project, including relevant district plan requirements, infrastructure information, and any resource consents that may be required.
A PIM may identify:
- Whether resource consents are required.
- Requirements relating to connections or disconnections from services.
- Development contribution levies or other charges that may apply.
- Other matters known to Council that could affect the proposed work.
For most building projects, obtaining a PIM is optional and is no longer a mandatory step before applying for a building consent.
A PIM can be applied for at the same time as a building consent application. However, it is often beneficial to apply for a PIM earlier in the planning process, before the building design is finalised. This allows potential issues to be identified and addressed at an early stage.
A PIM may contain important information relating to resource consent requirements, service connections, drainage matters, and known natural hazards such as flooding that could affect the proposed development.
Once concept plans have progressed to the stage where a site plan, floor plans, elevations, and a building section are available, a PIM application can generally be lodged.
Council has up to 20 working days to issue a PIM, so applying early can help avoid delays later in the project. The applicable PIM fee will be invoiced when the memorandum is issued.
View the information regarding PIMs on MBIE's website
You can use the PIM online form to lodge PIM applications, (Please note: you will need to log in/create an account to access the form)
Alternatively you can lodge a paper application form for a PIM
Go to Building Services fees page for PIM fees
Important - Non-consented small standalone dwellings
If you are proposing a non-consented small standalone dwelling under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, a PIM is mandatory. Under section 35BA of the Building Act 2004, no building work may begin until Council has issued a PIM for the dwelling in relation to its final site.
Accordingly:
- A PIM application must be lodged and issued before any building work commences.
- The PIM must relate to the dwelling's final location on the site.
- Building work cannot lawfully begin until the PIM has been issued by Council.
Go to more information on non-consented small standalone dwellings
