A land use consent is required where a proposal does not comply with the District Plan rules relating to how land is used or developed. This may include situations where a building does not meet height, setback, or site coverage standards, or where an activity is not anticipated within a particular zone, such as establishing a commercial activity in a residential area.

Land use consent may also be required for activities within overlays, such as natural hazard areas or heritage sites, or where earthworks exceed permitted thresholds.

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Manual application form: Form 9

Subdivision consent is required whenever land is divided to create new allotments or when existing boundaries are changed. This includes fee simple subdivisions, unit titles, cross-leases, and boundary adjustments.

Subdivision consent is always required under the RMA, regardless of scale, as it involves creating new legal interests in land.

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Manual application form: Form 9

Some proposals involve both subdivision and land use components. For example, where new lots are created and associated development does not comply with planning rules. In these cases, a combined application can be lodged so that all aspects of the proposal are assessed together.

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Manual application form: Form 9

If your proposal involves the discharge of wastewater to land, such as installing or upgrading an on-site wastewater treatment system, a resource consent may be required where the discharge volume exceeds 2 cubic meters per day. An assessment against the NRC Regional Water and Soil Plan is required to determine if a consent is required.

Far North District Council has delegated authority to process domestic wastewater discharge consents where the volume is less than 3 cubic metres per day. Larger discharges, or those involving industrial or trade waste, stormwater, or other non-domestic sources, must be applied for through the Northland Regional Council.

Where both land use and wastewater consents are required, these can generally be lodged together.

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Manual application form: Form 9

If you already hold a resource consent and wish to change its conditions or approved plans, you may apply to vary the consent under section 127 of the RMA.

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Manual application form: Form 10

An Earthworks Bylaw Permit may be required under the Far North District Council’s Earthworks Bylaw for certain excavation or filling activities, particularly where earthworks are close to boundaries or water bodies, exceed specified volume or depth thresholds, or may affect neighbouring properties, stormwater flow, or the environment. This permit is separate from, and in addition to, any resource consent required under the Resource Management Act 1991.

Compliance with the Earthworks Bylaw does not remove the need to obtain any required resource or building consents.

Manual application form: Earthworks Permit application

An outline plan provides detailed information about proposed works on designated land, including the location, scale and design of structures, site layout, access, landscaping, and measures to manage environmental effects. Under section 176A of the Resource Management Act 1991, the requiring authority must submit the outline plan to Council so it can confirm the works are consistent with the designation. Council has 20 working days to request changes; if no changes are requested, works may proceed.

In some cases, a requiring authority may request a waiver of the outline plan requirement. A waiver may be granted where the works are minor, sufficient detail was provided at the time of designation, or the effects are addressed through other approvals. If a waiver is approved, a full outline plan is not required before works begin.

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In some circumstances, a proposal that marginally exceeds a District Plan standard, or is temporary in nature, may be considered under section 87BB of the Resource Management Act 1991. If the activities potential adverse effects are the same as if the activity were not to occur, it may be treated as a deemed permitted activity.

A specific application form and supporting information are required to demonstrate that the effects are no more than minor or temporary. If approved, the activity is not processed as a full resource consent.

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Manual application form: Application for Temporary or Marginal Activity

An Existing Use Certificate confirms that a lawfully established activity can continue, even if it no longer complies with current District Plan rules. It recognises existing use rights under the Resource Management Act 1991.

The application must demonstrate that the activity was lawfully established and has been carried out without interruption. If issued, the certificate provides formal confirmation of those existing use rights.

Note: Existing use rights to not apply to activities established via a resource consent.

Manual application form: Form 9

A Notice of Requirement is used by a requiring authority (such as a network utility operator or government agency) to designate land for a public work or infrastructure project under the Resource Management Act 1991. A designation authorises the requiring authority to undertake works on the site, subject to any conditions imposed through the process.

Council publicly notifies the Notice of Requirement, considers submissions, and makes a recommendation. The final decision is made by the requiring authority.

Manual application form: Form 9

National Environmental Standards (NES) are regulations made under the Resource Management Act 1991 that set consistent rules across New Zealand for specific activities. These include standards relating to contaminated land, freshwater, plantation forestry, electricity transmission and telecommunication facilities.

If your proposal does not comply with the requirements of a relevant NES, a resource consent may be required. National Environmental Standards can override or replace District Plan rules in certain circumstances, so they must be considered alongside local planning provisions.

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Manual application form: Form 9

A Right of Way approval may be required where you are proposing to create a new private way or private road, or to grant or reserve a right of way over a private way as part of a subdivision or development. This is a separate approval process under the Local Government Act 1974.

Section 348 approval is often needed alongside subdivision and/or land use consents. It helps Council ensure proposed private access arrangements are suitable and can be appropriately formed and maintained.

Manual application form: ROW Application Form

A Certificate of Compliance confirms that a proposed activity is permitted under the District Plan and does not require a resource consent, provided it is carried out in accordance with the plans and information submitted.

The application must demonstrate that the proposal complies with all relevant rules and standards. If issued, the certificate provides formal confirmation under the Resource Management Act 1991 and cannot be subject to further planning conditions.

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Manual application form: Form 9

Applies where a boundary standard is infringed and written approval has been obtained from all affected neighbouring property owners. This process is only available for infringements of boundary setback or sunlight angle (height in relation to boundary) standards and applies only to internal property boundaries. It does not apply to infringements along road frontages or other public boundaries.

A specific written approval form must be completed and signed by all affected neighbours. If the requirements are met, the activity is deemed permitted and is not processed as a full resource consent.

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Written approval form: PBA Approval Form

Manual application form: PBA Application Form

Section 357A of the RMA provides a right of objection to a decision (e.g. lapsing, cancelling, declining etc.), and to conditions of consent. You need to send your objection to us in writing within 15 working days from when you receive the decision.

Section 357B of the RMA provides a right of objection to payment of additional charges under section 36(5). You need to send your objection to us in writing within 15 working days from the date you receive your invoice.

You must specify what you exactly you are objecting to, and why.

Manual application form: Objection Form

Resource consents have a lapse period, meaning they must be given effect to within a specified timeframe. If you are unable to do so, you can apply under section 125 of the RMA to extend the lapse period. Council will consider whether the extension is reasonable in the circumstances.

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Manual application form: Form 9

Confirms that the survey plan prepared is the same as the scheme plan approved by Council as part of the subdivision consent and that all 223 conditions have been met.

You have 5 years from the date of granting of the subdivision consent to obtain section 223 certification.

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Manual application form: Certificate Form

Certifying that all 224 conditions of the subdivision consent have been met. This includes payment of fees, approval of legal documents, and completion of all the physical works.

You have 3 years from the date of the granting of the 223 certificate to obtain section 224 certification.

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Manual application form: Certificate Form

If your property is subject to a consent notice registered on the Record of Title as part of a subdivision approval, you may apply to change or cancel that notice. Consent notices place ongoing conditions on the land, which continue to apply to future owners.

An application must demonstrate that the proposed change still achieves the original purpose of the condition or that the condition is no longer necessary. Council will assess the request under the Resource Management Act 1991, and supporting technical information may be required.

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Manual application form: Form 9