Controlled Activity
An activity that requires resource consent from council, but where council must grant the consent — it can only impose conditions on specific matters it has reserved control over.
What is a Controlled Activity?
A controlled activity is one step up from a permitted activity in the Resource Management Act's activity classification system. You need to apply for resource consent, but the council cannot decline your application — it must grant consent. The council's discretion is limited to imposing conditions on the specific matters over which it has reserved control.
For example, a subdivision in a residential zone might be classified as a controlled activity with council retaining control over matters like lot sizes, access, and infrastructure connections. The council must grant the subdivision but can impose conditions on these specific matters.
Controlled activity status gives applicants a high degree of certainty. You know the consent will be granted — the only question is what conditions will be attached. This makes it significantly less risky than discretionary or non-complying activity status.
Controlled activity applications are typically non-notified, meaning neighbours don't get a say. Processing is usually faster and cheaper than other consent types.
Why It Matters for Due Diligence
If your plans for a property require a controlled activity consent, you can proceed with confidence that consent will be granted — though conditions may affect the cost or design. This is important to understand when assessing the development potential of a property.
Check the district plan to see which activities are classified as controlled in the relevant zone, and what matters the council has reserved control over. This tells you the scope of conditions that could be imposed.
How to Check
The district plan's zone rules specify which activities are classified as controlled and what matters council has reserved control over. Your council's online planning portal or duty planner service can confirm the activity status for your specific proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can council decline a controlled activity consent?
No. Under the RMA, council must grant a controlled activity consent. It can only impose conditions on the specific matters it has reserved control over. This makes controlled activity the most certain consent category.
How long does a controlled activity consent take?
Controlled activity consents are typically processed as non-notified applications within 20 working days. They're generally straightforward and less expensive than other consent types because the outcome is certain.
Related Terms
Resource Consent
GlossaryPermission from the local council to carry out an activity that affects the environment, required under the Resource Management Act 1991.
Permitted Activity
GlossaryAn activity that is allowed under the district or regional plan without needing resource consent, provided it meets all the specified standards.
Restricted Discretionary Activity
GlossaryAn activity that requires resource consent, where the council can approve or decline but may only consider a limited set of matters specified in the plan.
Zoning
GlossaryCouncil rules that classify land into zones and control what activities and types of buildings are allowed in each area.
District Plan
GlossaryThe local council's rulebook that sets out how land in the district can be used, developed, and subdivided.
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