Dunedin City Council city environment general manager Tony Avery this week said a report providing an "apples with apples" comparison between Dunedin's consent fees and those of other New Zealand centres was being put together by a consultant.
He said while the issue was complex, he hoped the report would be finished in time for the council's annual plan process in May.
News of the report has been some time coming.
Since last year, building industry figures have been claiming Dunedin's building consent fees were double or more than those in other areas, and the cost was passed on to consumers, making it more difficult for people to build.
A member of the Registered Master Builders Association compiled a comparative list of fees for residential projects around the country, which did the rounds of local builders.
Another was sent to the Otago Daily Times this week, both showing fees in Dunedin to be more than double those of other areas.
Council staff have denied the claims, and said the comparisons being made were not valid.
In February, council chief building control officer Neil McLeod said he had been asked to review the costs, and he expected the review to debunk the criticism.
The review was delayed by the Christchurch earthquake, as staff were sent to the city to help.
Mr Avery said the report would provide better information about the way other councils charged for consents, and whether Dunedin was more expensive.
Registered Master Builders Federation Otago branch president Mike Fahey said recently he was keen to see the report as quickly as possible.
Hearings for the annual process begin on May 4, and deliberations on May 11.
