WCC, Building Permits (A Series)

Descriptive Data

Archives Identifier00055Date Range1922-1925DescriptionThis series consists of building permit applications made to the Wellington City Council between February 1892 and March 1922. By early 1922 Onslow, Karori and Miramar Boroughs had amalgamated with Wellington City. Administration of the building permit application process was divided between seven districts, each with its own numerical sequence for applications. To avoid confusion and make the system easier to manage, from 1 April 1922 a new permit application sequence was introduced, covering the entire area administered by the City Council.

Under Section 2 (Building) of the Wellington City Council Consolidated Bylaw 1908 (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 Engineer. 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 Part 4 of the Consolidated Bylaw (Drainage, Sanitation & Nuisances) 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 Engineer.

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)17.35MediumFileCollection TypeWellington City Council

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Related Agencies

Controlling or Creating AgencyBuilding BranchRelationship Date Range1922-1925

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WCC, Building Permits (A Series)