WCC, Building Permit applications, former Onslow Borough

Descriptive Data

Archives Identifier00050Date Range1903-1922DescriptionThis series consists of building permit applications made to the Onslow Borough Council between August 1903 and March 1919, and Wellington City Council from April 1919 to March 1922. They relate to proposed building work in Onslow Borough. Following the amalgamation of Onslow Borough with Wellington in 1919 the existing numbering and administrative system was retained and used by the City Council until 1922.

Under Part 3 (Building) of the Onslow Borough Council General Bylaw 1902 (and subsequent amendments) written application had to be made for permission to erect a building or carry out additions or alterations to an existing building. Applicants had to submit plans and documentation of the work proposed. If the work was in accordance with the Borough Bylaw a permit was issued and the plans and documentation were held in the office of the Borough Engineer. A register was kept of all applications made. All documentation relating to each application was filed by permit number.

Documentation required included an application form, plans, written specifications and if required structural calculations. The application form recorded the applicant or builder, the owner, description of the work proposed, legal description and street the site is on, and an estimated value. Plans generally include a site plan, floor plans, elevations and sections, and where required structural details. The written specifications outline what materials were used and the work done by the tradesmen involved. There may also be additional plans and documentation submitted by the applicant if changes were made to the building work proposed, or additional information was requested by the Borough Surveyor. Applications generally do not have drainage information. At this time there was no system of public drainage in Onslow Borough, drainage being confined to individual properties.

For any one application the amount of documentation varies. In general earlier applications have less, as do smaller works (for example a house as opposed to a warehouse or office block). Buildings or work drawn up by architects (as opposed to a builder) often have more documentation. Very early applications may only have plans, and generally do not have application forms (although many have a letter of application).

The series is incomplete with especially large gaps over the early period. It appears plans were submitted for approval from 1902, but a register and numbering system was not used until 1906. Earlier plans have been numbered at a later date.MediumFileSystem of ArrangementBy application date. Early permits in several sequences, and not always in strict numerical order .Collection TypeWellington City Council

Series

WCC, Building Permits (A Series)

WCC, Building Permit applications, Wadestown District

Access Information

Restriction StatusOpen

Related Agencies

Controlling/Creating AgencyCity Engineer's DepartmentRelationship Date Range1923-1972