WCC, Building Permit Applications

Descriptive Data

Archives Identifier00053Date Range1892-1922DescriptionThis series consists of building permit applications made to the Wellington City Council between February 1892 and March 1922.

Although Council permission was required to carry out building work as early as 1873, it was not until 1888 that a register of applications made was kept and not until 1892 that plans of proposed work were also retained.

Under the Wellington City Council Building Bylaw 1891 (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 city bylaw a permit was issued and the plans and documentation were held in the office of the City Surveyor.

A register was kept of all applications made. All documentation relating to each application was filed by permit number. Although a drainage plan was usually submitted along with a building application, drainage work had to be applied for under the Sanitary Bylaw and the drainage plan was filed in a separate sequence.

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 City Surveyor.

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).Quantity (Linear Metres)71.2MediumFileSystem of ArrangementNumerical by application numberCollection TypeWellington City Council

Series

WCC, Private drainage connection application plans

WCC, Building Permits (A Series)

Access Information

Restriction StatusOpen

Related Agencies

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

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WCC, Building Permit Applications