Resource consent

A resource consent is council's written authority allowing you to carry out an activity that will have an effect on the environment or use natural resources.  It allows a person or organisation to carry out an activity or to do something which could have an effect on the environment.

Applying for a resource consent

To apply for a resource consent print off and fill in the form - Application for Resource Consent, then lodge it with council's customer service centre. 
See application forms

You can avoid delays and costs with your resource consent application by:

• Consulting council early in your project planning process.
• Carrying out full and early consultation with the persons affected by your proposal.
• Providing a comprehensive well prepared Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE) report.
• Submitting an accurate and fully documented application.
• Responding promptly to our staff requests for further information. 

Application fees and charges

The fees and charges for resource consent applications are based on the application size, scope and purpose and staff time involved in processing the application.

A deposit is payable when your application is lodged with council. When processing is completed you will be invoiced for the balance.

For land subdivision, construction of a new dwellings or buildings, levies are payable in addition to the application fee.
See Development contributions information  

For a full list of charges refer to council's fees and charges

When you may need a resource consent

Applying for a building consent, could trigger an application for a resource consent, or  when an activity contravenes the restrictions outlined in Part III of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), and where the District Plan requires that a consent be sought.  Under the RMA all resource consents are grouped under 5 types:
• Land use
• Subdivision
• Water use
• Discharge to Water, Land, Air
• Coastal - any activity in the coastal marine area

A resource consent may be required before you:

• Discharge waste into water, into the air, or on to land
• Divert a stream
• Divert or discharge floodwaters
• Build a bridge over a watercourse
• Clear significant areas of vegetation
• Take water, other than for domestic use, and depending on the use
• Undertake major earthworks
• Build a wharf or jetty.

By law council must write a District Plan to control activities, which are carried out in the district.  Our Gisborne district plan is the Combined Regional Land and District Plan.

When council receives your resource consent application

When we receive your resource consent application, our resource consent planners will check it to make sure it is complete and provides all information and supporting information required.

Incomplete applications will be put on hold until the missing information is provided, no further processing will be carried out until that occurs.  

How long does it take to process a resource consent

The time taken to process an application depends on the complexity of the application, the application status and whether or not a hearing is required.

Delegated council officers generally decide non-notified applications within 20 working days of receipt of the completed application. Notified applications will take longer when a hearing is required.   

Resource consents may have conditions

Resource consents are usually issued with conditions to mitigate or bring the applications into line with our District Plan rules.  The consent holder is responsible for consent compliance.  Non-compliance will result in enforcement action.  

When can you start work

For any consent, you can only start work on your project once you receive the Resource Consent Notice of Decision.  Any other permits and authorisations must also be approved before you begin work.  

Resource consents have a limited legal life

Your resource consent will lapse on the date stated in the consent, or, if no date is specified then it will expire 5 years after the date of commencement of the consent unless:

• the approved activity is fully completed; or
• you have made application to council for a time extension.  

Resource consent application forms 

Resource Consent application form (107kb 4 pages)

Affected Persons consent form (165kb)

Please talk your proposal through with council staff before filling in the forms.  If you are unsure which form to use, or you need help to fill in the form please contact us

• Bore Permit  
• Coastal Permit - General  
• Coastal Permit - Removal of Sand & Shingle  
• Coastal Permit - Discharge to Water 
• Discharge Permit - Air
• Discharge Permit - Land
• Discharge - Water
• Sand Extraction - monthly return
• Shingle Extraction - monthly return
• Shingle Permit 
• Water Permit - Dam 
• Water Permit - Diversion 
• Water Permit - Ground Water Take 
• Water Permit - Surface Water Take 
• Waterways Approval  
• Transfer of Discharge Permits for Air or Wastewater
• Transfer of Water Permit

Links to more resource consent information 

Legislation

An everyday guide to the RMA series - Ministry for the Environment website
Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA)
RMA - Application for Resource Consent
RMA - Activity work may start
RMA - Lapsing of Resource Consent
RMA - Time limit for decision notification