Resource Consents

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Notified and Non-notified Resource Consents

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There are two ways that resource consent applications can be processed: notified or non-notified.

The Resource Management Act provides guidelines for what applications should or should not be notified.

Non-notified resource consents

Non-notified resources consents are not publicly advertised. We decide whether or not to grant the resource consent solely on the information provided by the applicant. Most applications are non-notified. This is because the adverse effects which might result from the proposal are only minor, and any affected people (usually neighbours) have agreed in writing to the proposal.

Timeframe

If an application has all the necessary information and all written approvals of neighbours and other affected parties are provided, and we have decided public notification is not required, the application will be processed within 20 working days. If further information is needed from the applicant, then the process will take longer.

Notified resource consents

Where the effects of an application are more than minor and/or the written permission of affected people has not been obtained, the application will be notified.

Discussing your proposal with us before lodging an application may speed up the consent process, save you money and make the application process simpler.Return to top


Resource consents may be notified in two ways:

• Limited notification - this process requires us to notify only affected parties, as identified by us. Only these parties may lodge submissions supporting or opposing the application.
• Public notification - this process requires us to publicly advertise the application in the newspaper and inform neighbours. A sign may also be placed on the site. Any interested parties may lodge a submission in support or opposition of the application. Publicly notified resource consents make the details of the information publicly available so that other people and parties can have their say.

To decide whether limited or public notification is appropriate we consider the scale of the effects of the proposed activity. Where the effects are minor and the wider public is not affected the consent follows the limited notification process.

Timeframe

A notified application takes much longer to process and is more expensive than a non-notified application. From the time that we accept an application as complete and begin processing it, a limited notified resource consent can take up to 45 working days to be processed and a publicly notified resource consent can take up to 85 working days. Return to top

Submissions

A submission can support, object, or a mixture of both, to parts of or the entire proposal.
Anyone can make a submission on a publicly notified resource consent application and affected parties can make a submission on a limited notified resource consent application. There is a 20-working day period following notification for written submissions to be sent to the council.

What’s next?

A hearing is the final part of the submission process. It gives the applicant, and all submitters who stated in their submission that they wish to be heard (whether in support or opposition), the opportunity to formally present their views to a committee.

Note: Only the courts can issue binding interpretations of the Resource Management Act. Indications and guidelines issued by us are provided with the intention of helping people to understand the legislation. They are, however offered on a no liability basis, and in any particular case those concerned should consult their own legal advisers.Return to top