Resource (land use) consent information and application forms

Please read the information below before submitting a land use application at North Shore City Council.

Completing the checklists and application form will ensure you submit the right information for us to accept your application. If you don’t submit the correct level and detail of information, we can’t process your application.

Please read this information carefully – you’ll save time if you submit a complete application the first time around. Resource (land use) consent applications can be complex and you may wish to appoint an independent planning consultant to assist you.

What is resource (land use) consent?
Why do I need resource consent?
How do I apply for resource consent?
How long does it take?
How is a decision made?
Erosion and Sediment Control
For more information

Resource (land use) consent forms and information pack
Resource (land use) useful guides

What is resource (land use) consent?

Resource consent is written approval from council to use your land in a way that does not comply with the District Plan or is listed in the District Plan as an activity specifically requiring resource consent. The District Plan is a book of rules for particular activities and developments for North Shore City that we’re required to have under the Resource Management Act (RMA) 1991.

You can view a copy of this plan by visiting our website at wwww.northshorecity.govt.nz, your local council area office, or Environmental Services at 521 Lake Road, Takapuna. You can also contact the Environmental Services helpdesk by calling Actionline on 486 8600 to find out whether you need resource consent.

Why do I need resource consent?

The Resource Management Act requires North Shore City Council to have a District Plan. The RMA promotes the sustainable management of natural and physical resources. Generally if you require resource consent it’s because your proposal has the potential to have a negative impact on the environment (which can include people, vegetation, buildings and structures).

How do I apply for resource consent?

There are many different factors to consider when applying resource (land use) consent. Completing the checklists in pack will ensure you submit the right information for us accept your application. If you don’t submit the correct level and detail of information, we can’t process your application. Once you’ve completed your application contact Environmental Services helpdesk by calling Actionline on 486 8600 for a lodgement meeting.

How long does it take?

The length of time resource consents take to process depends on what level of impact the works will have on the environment, the nature of the application and whether or not you have provided us with sufficient information. We consult the Resource Management Act 1991 to see whether to notify the public about your proposal.

• Non-notified applications

If under the provisions of the RMA, we don’t need to inform people about your application and you provide complete and correct information, it will take about one month to process.

• Notified applications

We need to inform people about your application if the work is likely to have a negative impact on the environment that is more than minor and/or there are parties who will be adversely affected. This involves placing a public notice in newspapers and sending letters to people who are considered to be affected. Notification enables people to support or oppose resource consent applications if they feel strongly about them. If you provide a complete application it will take about three months to process.

How is a decision made?

Council staff evaluate all resource consent applications and make recommendations on whether the application should be notified and whether the application should be granted. These recommendations are presented to the local Hearing Commissioners to determine whether they agree with the recommendation. Recommendations for certain application types can also be delegated to council officers to make the decision. Once a decision is made, we will notify you in writing. If you disagree with the decision, you have the right of appeal, the details of which will be in the decision letter.

Erosion and Sediment Control

From 1 July 2006, erosion and sediment control plans will have to be submitted as part of any building or resource consent process which will result in more than 50 square metres of site area being disturbed.
Landowners, contractors and developers are required to follow the measures outlined in the pamphlet, Erosion and Sediment control on Small Development Sites (E&S 01), to help minimise erosion and prevent sediment discharge into our waters.

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in failed building inspections, time delays with the inspection process and additional costs as a result of follow-up visits from compliance officers and building inspectors. Ongoing non-compliance could result in enforcement action being taken.

Copies of the pamphlet are included with all building and resource (land use) application packs, or can be obtained by calling Actionline on 486 8600 or by downloading an electronic copy of the pamphlet from the resource (land use) consent application and information list below.

For more information

For more information on anything in this pack please contact the Environmental Services helpdesk by calling Actionline on 486 8600 or visit us at 521 Lake Road, Takapuna.