Resource Consents Overview
Information about Resource Consents
The Ministry for the Environment has prepared a series of easy to understand guides on the requirements and processes for Resource Consents.
A beginner's guide to resource and building consent processes is available on the following link from the Ministry for the Environment (mfe):
www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/rma/resource-and-building-consent-process/
Resource Consents relate directly to the rules set out in the District Plan, Regional Plans or the Resource Management Act.
Resource Consents are necessary when a District Plan rule or Resource Management Act 1991 provision is breached.
When do I need Resource Consent?
You must apply for Resource Consent when you plan to carry out activities that are not generally permitted under the Far North District Plan and the Soil & Water Plan from the Northland Regional Council. Activities can be broken up into five different classes, ranging from those which have limited environmental impact to those with potential to pose a major risk. The particular class which your proposed activity falls into will determine:
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whether or not you need to apply for resource consent
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the degree of discretion which the local authority has to either restrict or permit your proposed activity
Types of Resource Consents and Categories
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the conditions the Council can require you to meet if consent is granted.
Conditions relating to a resource consent
Please read on and learn more about these consents, alternaltively apply for a resource consent using the Form, Guidance notes and Written Approval form.
Other Resource or Land use Applications.
There are a number of other consents, certificates and other changes to property uses that also require application to Council. These include:
Existing use rights
Certificate of Compliance for proposed activity
Development of designated sites
Creation or change to right of way easement
For more information on these use the link – Further Application Types
Assessment of Environmental Effects
An Assessment of Environmental Effects is a report that must be provided as part of every resource consent application. The role of the Assessment of Environmental Effects Report is to detail the effects your proposed activity may on the environment. It is worth looking at the terms ‘effects’ and ‘environment’ carefully, because under the Resource Management Act (RMA) they both have wide-reaching definitions. The Ministry for the Environment has prepared an easy to understand Guide to preparing a basic Assessment of Environmental Effects. The link below will take you to this document on the Ministry’s web site:
This book is available at the main service centres on request or from this website link
Council has also prepared a short explanation of Assessment of Environmental Effects, available on the following link.
Fees and Development Contributions
For information about Resource Consent fees and Development Contributions please either see our consolidated fees & charges listing.
Resource Consent Notifications
These are Resource Consents Applications that have been made available to the public for comment. If you would like to view the current notices, please click here
Recent Resource Consent Applications
If you are interested in reviewing recent applications lodged with Council, please click here
Further resources
The following websites will provide further information:
Ministry for the Environment, Resource Management Act - www.mfe.govt.nz/rma/
Quality Planning Website - further help with the RMA - www.qualityplanning.org.nz/
Page created/updated: 22 December 2008 at 9:33 am
