Beginners' guide to resource consents

From City Scene, published on 17 February, 2008

The council's Nick Chapman looks over a customer's building plans.

Here to help: The council's Nick Chapman (left) looks over a customer's building plans at Auckland City Council's Graham Street office.

Find out what you need to know when building or renovating.

Under the Resource Management Act 1991, you need a resource consent for any building or renovation activities on your property not allowed for in the council's district plan.

A resource consent relates to how proposed work will fit within the immediate environment and any potential adverse impact on neighbouring properties.

A building consent is needed to cover the structural and safety elements of a project.

Many people understand the need to apply for a building consent, but fewer people realise when a resource consent may be required as well.

This is probably because the rules and requirements of the district plan vary depending on your property's zoning.

So it's a good idea to contact the council to find out more about any particular features of your neighbourhood that the council is aiming to protect or enhance.

You can do this by phoning 379 2020, online or by visiting the council's consents team at 35 Graham Street - off Victoria Street West in the central city.

Finding out early exactly what kind of consents you need will make it much easier to plan your project and ensure the work obtains the required consent or consents.