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. These are 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 currently have a unique set of planning controls (the Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan), 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 Have to Get a Building Consent as Well?

A Resource Consent does not replace the need for a Building Consent. 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, even if you obtain a Building Consent, Council may not allow works to commence 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.

Is Consent for up to 30m2 No Longer Needed?

Under the new Building Consent waiver that came into force August 2020, certain “low risk” and accessory structures up to 30m2 may no longer need a Building Consent (you can check if your project may be exempt at building.govt.nz).

However for many Hauraki Gulf Island properties a Resource Consent will still be applicable depending on the site and zoning requirements. We’re happy to assist with more information in relation to your specific site and proposal, to confirm if consent is needed or not.

What is an Auckland Transport Encroachment Permit?

If certain types of works are proposed within the legal road reserve (the roadside area outside the property’s front boundary), a separate Auckland Transport Encroachment Permit application may be required. Dealing with Auckland Transport is a separate process from Council, and as part of our assessment we will advise if an Encroachment Permit may be needed for your project.

What Does a Review or Consent Work Cost?

These can vary considerably, based on the complexity of your project and other factors – please contact us for an initial discussion and service cost estimate.