On the North Shore, sections are narrow and neighbours are close. Most people do not realise a heat pump install is not just about the indoor unit. It is about the noise at the fence line. Here is exactly what the Auckland Unitary Plan says and how we keep you compliant.
Most installs are straightforward. Here is the full picture.
The Auckland Unitary Plan does not care how quiet the unit is at the machine. It cares what the volume is at your neighbour's fence.
Source: Auckland Unitary Plan E25 (operative). August 2025 RMA amendment extended Excessive Noise Directions from 72 hours to 8 days.
Craig does not just look at where the unit fits. He measures the actual distance to the boundary and checks the unit's dB rating at that distance. If it is too close for a standard unit, he recommends a quieter model: the Toshiba Shorai Edge at 20dB or the Mitsubishi AP at 18dB, before anything is ordered.
Sometimes the best location for heat output is the worst location for noise. Craig can advise on acoustic covers or fence dampening to keep the unit in the right spot and the noise inside the limits. A small barrier at the right angle can drop boundary noise by 3–5dB.
Every install Craig does is signed off by a registered electrician with a COC. This matters beyond compliance. When you sell your house, a missing COC is a red flag on the building report. It can hold up settlement, reduce your sale price, or require costly retrospective work. Having Craig's COC means the install is 100% legal and fully documented.
If the best placement would technically infringe a boundary rule, there is a process far simpler than resource consent. Craig manages this for you.
Craig confirms the proposed location breaches a boundary rule in the Auckland Unitary Plan but complies with all other rules. The infringed boundary must be private, not a road, reserve or public land.
The owner of the affected property signs a standard approval form. In most cases a brief conversation is all it takes. Craig can help frame this conversation if needed.
Submit the application online with the signed approval and a plan showing the proposed location. This replaces a full resource consent application. Significantly faster and cheaper.
If everything is in order, Auckland Council issues a written notice confirming the activity is permitted. Installation can then proceed. In practice, most North Shore installs never reach this step. Craig's first priority is always a fully compliant placement. See what to expect during installation once approval is confirmed.
Do I have to ask my neighbour before installing?
Legally no, as long as it is a permitted activity. But on the North Shore it is always better to be a good neighbour. Craig can provide you with the dB specs of the unit to show them it will not keep them awake. Most neighbours are fine once they see the numbers.
What is a Certificate of Compliance and do I get one?
A Certificate of Compliance (COC) is issued by a registered electrician to confirm all electrical work meets the Electricity Act requirements. Every heat pump Craig installs includes a COC. A correctly installed heat pump with a COC does not appear as unconsented work on a LIM report. An unlicensed install without one can complicate a property sale. See our heat pump installation page for full details on what every install includes, and our installation cost guide for pricing.
What if I am in a heritage zone?
If you are in a special character area (like parts of Birkenhead, Devonport or Northcote Point), there may be rules about where the outdoor unit can be seen from the street. Craig checks Auckland Unitary Plan overlays for every quote. Most heritage zone installs are straightforward once you know where to put the outdoor unit.
Does a heat pump show up on my LIM report?
A standard high-wall heat pump does not. But the electrical work must be done by a registered electrician. If you go to sell and there is no record of a licensed electrician doing the work, it can hold up your settlement. Craig's COC is your proof. Keep it with your house file.
Who handles noise complaints on the North Shore?
Auckland Council's noise control team covers the North Shore. They can visit the property and measure noise levels. Call 09 301 0101 to report persistent noise. If a breach is confirmed, an Excessive Noise Direction is issued and the unit owner must remedy it. More answers in our full FAQ.