Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Resource Consent?

The need for a Resource Consent arises when your proposal’s intended use, placement, or design does not meet the permitted District Plan or Unitary Plan rules for your site. This is different to Building Consents, which relate to construction and compliance with the Building Code.

The process for obtaining a Resource Consent means being able to verify to Council’s satisfaction - and usually subject to certain conditions - that what you are planning to do can be approved as an exception, with no more than minor effects, in relation to the set of rules and zoning that applies.

Depending on a property’s zoning, various aspects may trigger the requirement for a land use or subdivision consent, or a discharge or coastal permit, which we review as part of your assessment.

Why Do I Need a Resource Consent on the Island When I Wouldn’t Need One in Town?

The Hauraki Gulf Islands have a unique set of planning controls, primarily intended to help preserve the islands special character and ecology. These differ from the standard Auckland Unitary Plan rules, meaning Resource Consent is often needed on the islands when it would not be needed in town.

Ask us if your project might need one before you finalise your plans - we can review your proposal and advise options.

What Information Do I Need to Have a Resource Consent Application Prepared?

The level of detail and supporting information likely to be required by Council will differ depending on the nature of the land or proposed works.

As part of our initial proposal for you, we advise the minimum level of information requirements we recommend should accompany your application, including what site plans and drawing detail is needed at Resource Consent stage, as generally fewer detailed drawings are needed compared to Building Consents.

Do I still have to get a Building Consent as well?

A Resource Consent does not replace the need for a Building Consent. Note also that because the Hauraki Gulf Islands district has different criteria than Auckland, some structures or activities that may not need a Resource or Building Consent on the mainland could need one on the islands.

Building Consents are a separate process to Resource Consents, and your designer, project manager, or builder can advise further on that aspect of your project.

Where a Resource Consent is required, Council will not issue a final Building Consent until the Resource Consent is granted, so it is good practice that the Resource Consent application is lodged ahead of the Building Consent.

We work alongside your design/build representative handling the Building Consent, so that both consent processes align.

What is an Auckland Transport Encroachment Permit?

A separate Auckland Transport Encroachment Permit application may be required if there are certain types of works proposed within the Road Reserve (the roadside area outside the property’s front boundary).

Dealing with Auckland Transport is a separate process from Council. As part of our assessment we will advise if an Encroachment Permit may be needed for your project.

What Will It Cost?

This can vary considerably based on the complexity of your project and other factors – please contact us for an initial review and cost estimate.