This definition includes houses and buildings within the meaning of the Development Act 1993 that are permanently fixed to the land. Examples of a prescribed building include a dwelling, hotel, motel, school office building, shop, cafe, restaurant, service station, factory or hospital. The definition also extends to an approved building that is in the course of construction if the foundations, concrete slab or other footings have been completed.
Prescribed buildings do not include non-habitable structures such as fences, swimming pools, retaining walls, masts and antennas or car parks.