Types of Resource Consent
There are 5 main types of Resource Consent:
- Land use consents
- Subdivision Consents
- Coastal permits
- Water permits
- Discharge consents permits (for discharges into air, water or land).
The three types of Resource Consent which this Council deals with are:
- Land use consents
- Subdivision consents
- Discharge Consents for residential effluent discharge
The other types are dealt with by the Northland Regional Council.
The type of consent you need to apply for depends on the exact nature of your proposed activity. In some cases, you may need to apply for more than one type of consent.
We encourage you to make an appointment with one of our Resource Planners to discuss your project. There is no charge for the first half hour.
Please call 0800 920 029 to make an appointment with a Planner to discuss your project.
Please note that it is an offence if you do not obtain consent when a Resource Consent is required. When applying for a Land use or Subdivision consent, use the Resource Consent Application Form and Guidance notes.
Categories of activity
There are five categories of activity:
Permitted
The proposed work must comply with all the Rules specified within the District Plan (Permitted Activity Conditions) and if it does, it may be undertaken as of right. No Resource Consent is required.
Controlled
A Resource Consent application for a controlled activity is required and conditions may be imposed in respect of certain matters over which the Council has reserved a right of control in the District Plan. A Controlled Activity cannot generally be refused by Council unless it is an application for a subdivision which may be subject to certain circumstances described in the Act. To ascertain whether your project falls within these circumstances, please contact a Resource Planner. Consent may be granted, but subject to conditions.
Restricted Discretionary
A Resource Consent application is required and the Council has discretion to grant or decline the application. If granted, the consent may be subject to conditions. The Council restricts its discretion to consideration of the specific assessment criteria as stated in the District Plan. The Council must therefore relate only to those criteria and their effect, when the decision whether or not to grant the consent is being made and any conditions imposed.
Discretionary
A Resource Consent application is required and the Council has full discretion to grant or decline consent. Assessment criteria are stated in the District Plan and any consent granted may be subject to conditions. Speak to a Resource Planner to check whether your project falls within this category.
Non-complying
A Resource Consent application is required and a consent will not be granted unless the Council is satisfied that the granting of the consent will not be contrary to the Objectives and Policies of the District Plan, or that the environmental impact will be minor. If consent is granted, there may be conditions imposed.
Prohibited
No Resource Consent application will be accepted as activities in this category are expressly forbidden by the District Plan and Resource Consent can not be granted. A Plan Change is needed to amend prohibited activity status. Any person may make an application for a Plan Change.
Common issues that cause problems with applications are:
Consideration of Impermeable Surfaces
Access to the Coast
Use the links provided above to find out further information on these topics. Have a look at our other pamphlets if you would like to explore common issues:
Page created/updated: 22 December 2008 at 1:15 pm
