If you are applying for a building consent in Auckland, you may be asked to provide more than a Producer Statement PS1 from your structural engineer. Depending on your project, Auckland Council may also require an independent Producer Statement PS2 (Structural Peer Review), or your engineer may need to be registered for high-risk designs under Auckland Council’s producer statement authorship. Knowing these requirements early can help prevent delays during the consent process.
What are the Structural Risk Levels?
In accordance with Auckland Council’s producer statement policy document AC2301, Auckland Council groups building projects into three risk levels:
Low Risk
Medium Risk
High Risk
The risk level depends on a number of factors such as:
The size and complexity of the building
The number of storeys
The estimated project value
How the building will be used
The potential risk to occupants
Site conditions etc.
When your building consent is lodged, Auckland Council decides which risk level your project falls into.
What Types of Buildings are Included within each Risk Level?
Low-risk projects generally include:
Typical residential dwellings up to 3 storeys in height
Light-weight commercial structures with low occupancy
Specifically designed outbuildings such as carports, garages, and sheds etc.
Medium and high-risk projects usually include:
Complex residential dwellings and light commercial buildings
Multi-storey buildings of more than 3 storeys, such as residential or aged-care apartment buildings
Complex commercial developments
Buildings with higher importance levels such as critical public facilities
Buildings on difficult ground conditions
These projects require the structural engineers to have the appropriate risk-level registration with Auckland Council.
When is a PS2 Required?
A PS2 is an independent review of the structural design works. It is typically required for medium and high-risk projects and must be completed by a different engineering practice than the original designer. The reviewing engineer must hold the same level of risk registration. For most low-risk projects, Auckland Council carries out its own review and a PS2 is generally not required.
Can Any Engineer Design a High-Risk Building?
No. Many structural engineers are registered to design low and medium-risk buildings only and that is why sometimes an engineer might tell you that he/she can only signoff up to 3 storeys. High-risk projects require engineers who are specifically registered with Auckland Council for this level of work. At CLC Consulting, our structural team includes high-risk registered engineer, allowing us to provide structural design for complex multi-storey developments.
Every Council is Different
These risk categories apply specifically to Auckland Council under the producer statement authorship scheme. Other councils around New Zealand may have different requirements, so it is always worth checking the rules for your local authority.
Unsure of What’s Required?
If you're unsure whether your project requires a PS2 or a high-risk registered structural engineer the best approach is to discuss with Auckland Council directly. It is advisable to carry out this discuss early so that a suitably registered engineer can be engaged, and the extra cost and time involved with the peer review can be factored into the project cost.
