Resource Consent

Resource consent is required for activities that the district or regional plan doesn't allow as of right — known as 'permitted activities'. Common triggers include subdivisions, land use changes, building in sensitive areas, earthworks beyond certain thresholds, and discharges to air or water.

There are five types of resource consent: land use consent, subdivision consent, coastal permit, water permit, and discharge permit. Most property buyers will encounter land use and subdivision consents.

Resource consents may come with conditions that ongoing owners must comply with. For example, a consent for a subdivision may require ongoing maintenance of stormwater infrastructure.

Check the LIM report for any resource consents affecting the property. Review the conditions — you may inherit ongoing obligations. Also check whether any planned changes to the property would require resource consent.

Unauthorised activities (work done without required resource consent) can result in enforcement action from the council, including abatement notices and fines.

The LIM report lists resource consents affecting the property. Your council's online planning portal may also have resource consent records. Your lawyer should review any consent conditions that carry ongoing obligations.