Permitted Activity
An activity that is allowed under the district or regional plan without needing resource consent, provided it meets all the specified standards.
What is a Permitted Activity?
Under the Resource Management Act 1991, a permitted activity is one that complies with all the rules and standards in the relevant plan and can be carried out without needing resource consent. This is the simplest activity status — if your project meets all the permitted activity standards, you can proceed without applying to council for planning approval.
For example, building a single house on a residentially zoned property is typically a permitted activity, provided the house complies with all the zone standards for height, setbacks, site coverage, and other bulk and location rules. You'll still need a building consent, but you won't need resource consent.
The key point is that you must meet all the standards. If your project breaches even one standard — say the building is 10 centimetres too close to the boundary — it's no longer a permitted activity and you'll need resource consent for the infringement.
Permitted activity status is the most favourable for property owners because it provides certainty. You know you can do it, and neighbours can't object through the resource consent process.
Why It Matters for Due Diligence
Understanding what is permitted on a property tells you what you can do without the cost, delay, and uncertainty of resource consent. Before buying, check the zone rules to see what the permitted activity standards allow — particularly for building height, site coverage, and the number of dwellings.
If your plans for the property go beyond what's permitted, you'll need resource consent, which adds cost and uncertainty. Factor this into your purchase decision.
How to Check
Check the relevant zone chapter in the district plan (available on the council's website). The rules will list the permitted activity standards for each zone. Use the council's online planning maps to confirm which zone applies to the property.
For a quick check, contact the council's duty planner with your proposal — they can tell you whether it's likely to be a permitted activity or whether resource consent will be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
If something is a permitted activity, do I still need building consent?
Yes, in most cases. Permitted activity status means you don't need resource consent (planning approval), but you'll still need building consent to confirm the work meets the Building Code. These are two separate approval processes.
What happens if my project doesn't meet one of the permitted activity standards?
You'll need to apply for resource consent for the specific standard you're breaching. The activity status for the infringement (controlled, restricted discretionary, etc.) will determine how council assesses your application. Minor infringements are common and often straightforward to consent.
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.
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.
Controlled Activity
GlossaryAn 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.
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.
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