From today, Tauranga City Council will no longer be issuing paper consents as it releases a new online system for the process.
Building Consents Online is aimed at both home owners and industry professionals, and helping them through the whole process - from pre-application to the issuing of a Code Compliance Certificate.
It also equips home owners with the tools to find out whether building consents are required for their planned DIY projects such as fences or decks.
General manager of environmental services Rebecca Perrett said: "We're always looking for ways we can adapt to meet our customers' changing needs, and to manage the growth we're currently seeing in Tauranga."
The number of building consents issued has grown from 2177 in 2014-2015 to 2723 in 2015-2016.
In 2015-2016 the value of all building work in Tauranga reached an all-time high of $765,446,956.
"Online consenting should make life easier for our customers by making sure they have the right information, and allowing them to submit and track their applications digitally throughout the entire process," Ms Perrett said.
The pre-application component of the solution was developed in-house by Tauranga City Council in consultation with the local building industry.
The application side is based on an industry best practice product, AlphaOne, which has successfully helped high-growth councils improve customer service and reduce processing time.
Classic Builders' regional building coordinator Kylee Hayes said: "The new system has simplified the consenting process and is the most time-efficient lodging service we have used. The ease of use and ability to check the status of the consent without having to phone or email Council has been hugely beneficial. We look forward to utilising this more as we head into the most productive year in Classic Builders history."
The online consenting system is a step toward the council's goal of paper independence.
Tauranga City Council staff will be available in the customer service centre at 91 Willow Street to assist those who need help shifting to the online system.
For more information, or to register for AlphaOne, visit http://building.tauranga.govt.nz.