What is resource consent?

Resource consent is formal permission to do something that might affect the environment and is not specifically permitted by the District Plan.

It includes things like:

  • using or subdividing land
  • taking water
  • discharging contaminants in water, soil or air
  • using or occupying coastal space.

We process resource consent applications on the use or subdivision of land. Water, discharge and coastal consents are processed by the Waikato Regional Council.

Do I need resource consent?

If you are planning an activity that might affect the environment, you’ll probably need resource consent. You need resource consent for any activity not specifically allowed by the District Plan. Using land for activities or uses including building something new or changing the use of an existing building may require resource consent.

If you need resource consent, you must get it before you start work.

Some activities are allowed by the Resource Management Act (1991)* or District Plan.
*The Resource Management Act will soon be replaced by three separate acts to be drafted, notified and implemented over three years from 2021.

You might not need resource consent, but another kind of permission like:

  • a deemed permitted boundary activity
  • a Certificate of Compliance (CoC)
  • authority to plan a project on designated land.

Ask Council about a deemed permitted boundary activity if:

  • you're building or extending your home
  • you only require a resource consent because your project infringes one or more 'boundary rules' in the District Plan
  • none of the infringed boundaries are public boundaries – for example, a park or a road – and the affected neighbours have given their written approval.

Ask Council about a Certificate of Compliance if:

  • you know your project is permitted in a particular area
  • you want formal confirmation from the Council that your project is permitted under the District Plan and doesn’t need resource consent.

Talk to Council if you’re planning a project on designated land, because you may need to submit an outline plan.
Meet with us to discuss your proposal or ideas before you prepare and submit a resource consent application.

Step 1: YOU

What you need to know

Where does resource consent fit within the development process?

If you need a resource consent, you must get it before you start work.

1. Prepare

Have your idea, do your research, start design and planning, engage with your community, and gather documentation.

2. Apply

Submit your application and fees, making sure all required documentation is included.

3. Processing

Council will thoroughly consider your application.

4. Notification and engagement

Council will decide if this resource consent should be notified, and if so, engage with the community.

5. Outcome

Council will deliver its informed decision on your resource consent application.

STEP 2: YOU

Pay the fee

You’ll pay a deposit when you submit your resource consent application. This is your initial application fee.
The amount you pay depends on:

  • the type of work or activity you want to do
  • if your application needs to be notified because it will affect the public or your neighbours.

You may also need to pay additional fees, such as:

  • development contributions (if your project is a new development)
  • additional processing fees (if your application is complex or you need to supply further information).
  • For land subdivision, construction of a new dwelling or building, levies are payable in addition to the application fee.

Keep costs down by:

  • having a pre-application meeting with us to help you make informed decisions about your application
  • making sure your application includes all the relevant information and reports so we can process it quickly and efficiently.
LAND USE
Land use related applications are subject to the following non refundable deposits as per application type.

Any actual or reasonable costs including, additional planning assessment and administration time spent beyond that covered by the deposits will be charged at the relevant hourly rates
Land Use Certificates
Certificate of Compliance $1,183.00
Existing Use Right $2,604.00
Planning Verification (fixed fee) $440.00
Outline Plan $1,702.00
Non-Notified Land Use Consent Applications
Controlled Activities (Fast Track 10 day) $2,003.00
Restricted Discretionary $3,138.00
Discretionary Activity $4,007.00
Non-Complying Activity $4,828.00
Minor $1,603.00
Other Land-Use Related Applications
Extension of Time Limit $1,442.00
Change or Cancellation of Consent Condition $1,603.00
Surrender of Consent (whole or part) $668.00
Deemed Permitted Boundary Activities $600.00
Deemed Permitted Marginal or Temporary Activities $600.00
Urgent Applications
Non-notified consents only - issued within 10 working days Twice the regular fee
Notified Land Use Consent Applications $20,034.00
Limited Notified Land Use Applications $9,349.00
SUBDIVISION
Subdivision related applications are subject to the following non refundable deposits as per application type.

Any actual or reasonable costs including, additional planning assessment and administration time spent beyond that covered by the deposits will be charged at the relevant hourly rates
Non-Notified Subdivision Consent Applications
Includes subdivision related works for earthworks, roads, retaining walls and 3 waters infrastructure e.g. pump stations.
Restricted Discretionary Activity $2,671.00
Restricted Discretionary Activity 3-50 lots per lot/unit/flat $85.00
Restricted Discretionary Activity 51-100 lots per lot/unit/flat $29.00
Restricted Discretionary Activity 101 lots and greater per lot/unit/flat $14.00
Discretionary Activity, Non-Complying Activity $4,007.00
Discretionary Activity, Non-Complying Activity 3-50 lots per lot/unit/flat $85.00
Discretionary Activity, Non-Complying Activity 51-100 lots per lot/unit/flat $29.00
Discretionary Activity, Non-Complying Activity 101 lots and greater per lot/unit/flat $14.00
Joint Subdivision and Land Use consent applications $2,671.00
Joint Subdivision and Land Use consent applications 3-50 lots per lot/unit/flat $85.00
Joint Subdivision and Land Use consent applications 51-100 lots per lot/unit/flat $29.00
Joint Subdivision and Land Use consent applications 101 lots and greater per lot/unit/flat $14.00
Permitted Activity - Certificate of Compliance, Amendment to Flats Plans, Boundary Adjustments $1,200.00
Urgent applications Twice the regular fee
Other Subdivision Related Applications
Extension of Time Limit $1,442.00
Change or Cancellation of Consent Condition $1,602.00
Surrender of Consent (whole or part) $654.00
Subdivision Certificates and Associated Applications
s.223 RMA $634.00
s.224c RMA $634.00
s.224(f) RMA (fixed fee) $133.00
32 (2)A Unit Title Act (fixed fee) $133.00
s.221 RMA $802.00
s.226 RMA $1,229.00
Re-issue of Certificate and Other Certificates $634.00
Works Clearance Application $960.00
Bond Release application per hour Actual costs
Subdivision Related Approval Applications
Section 75-83 - Building Act 1994 $834.00
Proposed Unit Development Plan $1,054.00
Revocation of Building Line Restriction (charge include E-Dealing) $1,336.00
Right of Way Approval (section 348 LGA) $1,068.00
Revocation of Easement (section 243 RMA) $632.00
Second and subsequent stage non-complying cross lease subdivision applications $1,526.00
Road Naming $1,181.00
Road Renaming $1,800.00
Amend or Delete Consent Notice (section 221 RMA) $1,508.00
Publicly Notified and Limited Notified Subdivision Consent Applications $8,014.00

In person

260 Anglesea Street
Municipal Building
Hamilton, 3240

Or online

Step 3: YOU

Understanding the District Plan and your assessment criteria

The District Plan is an important reference for anyone planning to develop or use land in Hamilton. It explains what activities you can do as of right (permitted activities) and what activities require resource consent.

The District Plan helps manage the development of Hamilton by:

  • containing development within the established edges of the city
  • maintaining and enhancing our central city
  • encourage development within existing residential areas
  • maintain a pleasant living environment in residential areas
  • encourage essential infrastructure (e.g. schools, shops) that are easily accessed from residential areas
  • protecting special character and heritage
  • improving multi-unit housing
  • improving subdivision design and development.

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Last updated 9 August 2022