Do I Need Resource Consent?

Whether resource consent is required depends on the location of the property, the applicable planning provisions and the nature and scale of the proposed activity. A proposal may comply with some standards but require consent for others.

An early planning review can identify the relevant zone, overlays, precincts, designations, development standards and regional plan matters, and can help define the information needed before an application is prepared.

Common reasons consent may be required

• A new building or additions that do not meet one or more development standards

• More intensive residential development

• Subdivision or boundary adjustment

• Commercial or industrial activity or change of use

• Earthworks, vegetation removal or work near a watercourse

• Development affected by an overlay, precinct or designation

• Work in the coastal marine area

• A change to an existing consent or consent notice

A typical resource consent pathway

1. Initial planning review

Confirm the site context, proposal and likely consent triggers.

2. Project scoping

Identify the plans, specialist reports and other information required.

3. Application preparation

Prepare the Assessment of Environmental Effects and statutory planning assessment, and coordinate supporting documents.

4. Lodgement and completeness review

Submit the application and respond to any initial completeness matters.

5. Council processing

Respond to requests for further information and address planning or technical matters raised during assessment.

6. Decision and conditions

Review the decision and conditions, then advise on any follow-up actions.