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How do I apply for a resource consent? What are notified and non-notified consents? How much will a resource consent cost? How long will it take to process my application?
A resource consent is a formal, written permission to undertake an activity on a particular site, which might affect the rights of people and/or the environment.
Our District Plan requires that a Resource Consent be obtained where the effect of an activity on the environment is outside the acceptable performance standards within a particular resource area.
A quick phone call to Council (03 419 0200 or toll-free outside Balclutha 0800 801 350) will tell you whether you need a Resource Consent or not, and whether you will need to contact another Council. Sometimes you may require more than one Resource Consent, or a Resource Consent from more than one Council.
District and city councils deal with land use consents and subdivision consents, while regional councils deal with water permits, discharge permits, coastal permits, and land use consents within the beds of lakes and rivers.
When an activity requires consents from more than one local authority, the applications are usually processed and considered jointly.
How do I apply for a Resource Consent?
You apply for a Resource Consent by submitting an application to the Council which is responsible for the location where your proposed activity will occur.
In your application form, you'll need to include the full details, including information on how you will minimise or prevent adverse effects, so Council can fully understand what it is you propose to do.
What is are notified and non-notified consents?
Councils decide on whether or not to notify an application.
Notified consents are advertised publicly and submissions are sought. Copies of the application are sent to all affected parties and any person or organisation can make a submission.
Non-notified consents are not advertised, but the written approval of all parties who may be affected (e.g. neighbours) is required and possible environmental effects must be minor.
How much will a resource consent cost?
The fees for processing resource consents depend on how the proposed activity is classified under the District Plan. This is because the classification affects the information that Council will need, and the process that must be followed. The fee will also depend on whether or not the application is notified.
If you know the classification of your activity and whether or not it will be notified, then view the fees below. If you are not sure, then please contact Council’s consent staff. Note that the application fee is a deposit. Most applications are covered by this amount, but if it is likely that your application will incur further costs then Council will advise you of this as soon as possible. Fees are reviewed annually, and remain in force for the July - June year.
How long will it take to process my application?
This depends on what you are applying for, but the Resource Management Act sets maximum time limits for Councils to work within.
Normally a straight-forward consent will be processed within 20 working days from when Council accepts your application.
For notified applications, the decision should be made within 70 working days from when Council receives your application. However, these time frames depend on all required information being supplied.
The Resource Management Act requires you to prepare an Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE) to accompany your application for resource consent. A good AEE will greatly assist in having your application considered quickly and efficiently.
Brochure - Signs Brochure - Consultation with Iwi
A beginner's guide to resource and building consent processes (Ministry for the Environment and Department of Building and Housing brochure).
We have a number of the most commonly used forms available for downloading and printing below.
 Application
for Resource Consent (Form 9)
(PDF, 17kb, new window)
Submission
on an Application for Resource Consent (Form 13)
(PDF, 17kb, new window)
Written
Approval of Affected Parties
(PDF, 18kb, new window)
Application
for Section 139 Compliance Certificate
(PDF, 17kb, new window)
Links
New Zealand Planning Institute
See the Ministry for the Environment website for further information.
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