Resource consent process 10-step guideTukanga tono whakaaetanga rawa taiao - Ngā aratohu 10

Step 1 – Prepare your resource consent application

You must first prepare your resource consent application, including all required information and documentation. We recommend you engage a professional (resource consent planner or consultant) to prepare your application, as the requirements are technical.

If you need help, we offer a Duty Planner service. Call us on 06 835 7579 to speak with our duty planner if you have questions regarding your proposal.

Step 2 – Community engagement

You may wish to talk to neighbours or people in your community who may be affected by your project, including Mana Whenua. You may need written approval from those affected by your project.

Step 3 – Apply for a resource consent

Your resource consent application is formally made with us.

If your application is incomplete, we will return it to you with a letter explaining what is missing. This is called a Section 88 check.

Step 4 – Possible financial contributions

If your project is a residential development, or involves creating retail or commercial space etc., then financial contributions may apply. This will be determined throughout the assessment of your application and a condition of consent will be included within the Notice of Decision you will receive.

Step 5 – Processing your application

We will assess the effects and scale of your proposed development over a period of 20 working days.

If your application is incomplete in some way, we will request further information from you in accordance with Section 92 of the Resource Management Act 1991. This is called a Section 92 request. The assessment period will stop while we wait for your response.

If Council require more time to assess your application, we will contact you to discuss what is called a Section 37 time extension. This extension relates to applications where special circumstances apply (including special circumstances existing by the scale and complexity of the matter); or when the applicant agrees to the extension.

Step 6 – Notified or non-notified

Your consent will either be notified (other people can have their say on your project) or non-notified.

The processing time frame is longer and the costs higher for notified consents. If your project is likely to exceed the minor threshold of adverse effects on the environment, we will notify the public generally (public notification).

If your project will have minor or more than minor adverse effects on people, we will only notify those directly affected (limited notification).

Step 7 – The outcome of your application

We will let you know our decision on your application. A resource consent Notice of Decision will list the conditions and any relevant advice notes you need to adhere to for your consent to remain valid, and to avoid a possible enforcement action. If your application is refused, there may be an appeal and objection process you can follow.

Step 8 – Starting work

Notify us of your intention to start work.

Step 9 – Ongoing site monitoring

A Regulatory Compliance Officer and/or Resource Consent Planner will carry out routine monitoring inspections once your work has started. We do this to confirm you are compliant with your conditions of consent and other relevant regulations.

Unlike building consent inspections, resource consent inspections do not need to be booked unless it's specified in the conditions. High-risk or historically non-compliant sites may take more time to monitor and fees will reflect the extra time needed.

Monitoring visits are conducted by Regulatory Compliance Officers and/or Resource Consent Planners and can include:

• Site inspections prior to works starting, throughout works and post completion of works.
• Reviewing resource consent conditions, plans, and reports in accordance with the Notice of Decision.
• Investigating breaches.

See Resource consent conditions and monitoring for more information.

Step 10 – Comply with conditions

Once you have complied with all conditions of your consent, a copy of the report can be provided.

Some consents have conditions that need to be complied with on an ongoing basis and monitoring charges may apply for some consents.