Date Range1922-1991DescriptionThe Building Branch of the Works Department was responsible for the administration of all Bylaws and Acts relating to the design, erection, and maintenance of buildings, together with other allied activities, within the City in accordance with Council Policy. 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. If the work was in accordance with the city bylaw a permit was issued by the office of the City Surveyor. In 1923, the City Engineer and Surveyor’s Office’s functions were taken over by the newly established City Engineer’s Department. Various branches were part of this department, of which the Building Branch was one. One of its main responsibilities was the issuing of building permits. The annual report for the year 1948-1949 gives a more detailed overview of the different tasks of the Building Branch: Activities for new building: advising of architects, checking plans under Bylaws and Acts, referring plans, issue of permits, inspections of buildings, issue of certificates of completion, arranging for hoardings, scaffolding and signs; Activities for existing building : for defective and or damaged buildings; Licensing and inspections of : public halls, billiard rooms, boarding-houses, dangerous goods; Licensed hotels : inspections, report to licensing Bench, requirements to owners; Investigations of complaints; Office work Through the years, the Building Branch would keep more or less these responsibilities. In 1991 the Wellington City Council underwent a big restructuring and implemented a new structure with different division. Services of the Building Branch were transferred to the newly created Environment Division
