Any new large-scale commercial or industrial building requires an extensive array of documents and approvals. While geotechnical surveys, soil tests, and council approvals are well-known documents required for building, a project information memorandum (PIM) is often overlooked amid the many tasks ahead of starting a new project. There are various reasons why you should consider lodging a PIM - from ensuring compliance with your district plan to avoiding natural hazards, understanding stormwater disposal requirements, and more, a PIM is highly advantageous. Read on to discover why you should lodge a PIM, which documents you’ll require, and how to lodge it, as well as how the XL Structural team can take care of the entire process for you from start to finish.
What is a PIM?
A project information memorandum (PIM) is a council-issued report that includes information related to the property that could impact the building project.
A PIM typically includes the following information (note this can vary between councils):
- The authorisations your project will require such as:
- Building consent,
- Resource consent,
- Any special licences that may be required (such as food hygiene licences or alcohol licences),
- An evacuation scheme under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017,
- Whether you’ll be required to notify Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga,
- If access and facilities for persons with disabilities will be required.
- Drainage details that are relevant to the property or adjacent to the property such as the existing network utility connections (i.e. water, sewer, stormwater).
- Land information including:
- Each special feature/condition of the ground (e.g. erosion, natural hazards, including flooding, risk of contamination),
- The heritage status of the building.
- Whether section 75 (construction of building on 2 or more allotments) applies.
Why should I lodge a PIM?
While applying for a PIM is not mandatory we strongly recommend it, as often the information provided by a PIM report is not readily available from the council website. Getting a PIM in the early stages of your building process will ensure that you don’t end up spending extra time and money on re-designs further down the track.
A PIM report will advise you on your compliance with the district plan, requirements around stormwater disposal, as well as ensure you’re aware of any records the council has about the site. This may include whether the soil is contaminated or if the area is prone to any natural hazards such as flooding. All of this information will help the planning process of your building as these are considerations that can largely impact your requirements and the limitations of your project. That’s why lodging a PIM, and lodging it early, is essential.
What do I need to obtain a PIM?
To apply for a PIM you simply need to submit an application form, alongside a site plan, a plan view of the building with elevations, proposed stormwater disposal method, proof of ownership, and any other available information relevant to your project. The application form can be accessed on your local council’s website. This can be submitted either via the website, by post, or in person at any service center.
Once your council has received your documents and you have paid a deposit, they are legally required to issue your PIM within 20 working days. With some councils, the cost of a PIM can’t be calculated before you receive it as the cost is time-based and each PIM requires a different amount of time to process (often due to the complexity of the project and the quality of the information provided). Therefore, it’s in your best interest to gather all relevant information and ensure it is of high quality before submitting it.
How XL Structural Steel can cover this entire process
Here at XL Structural Steel, we have extensive experience in this field. We handle the report and consent process for many of our clients, making our team well versed and ready to assist you in simplifying and expediting the process. With a comprehensive knowledge of how to obtain a PIM, among other reports, our team can alleviate your stress by helping you complete the application process. In addition, we can maintain communication with your local council to ensure your information is delivered promptly so that you can get your building complete as soon as possible.
Enlisting the help of experts can make the entire planning and building process simpler, less strenuous, and significantly more efficient. Discover more about the XL system and how we can cover the report and consent process to make your next large-scale commercial or industrial build stress-free, or get in touch with our team of experts today by clicking on the button below.
