Applying for a consent
Before you start preparing your application, give us a call and we can help you figure out:
- whether you need a resource consent;
- the type of consultation appropriate for your proposal;
- what information you require;
- the application form(s) you need.
You should discuss your proposal with us before you begin preparing your application. This will help reduce unnecessary delays and extra costs due to any missing information, not enough consultation, or not applying for all the required consents.
To arrange an appointment to discuss your proposal, please contact us.
Information you will need for your application
Section 88 of the Resource Management Act (1991) sets out the requirements for an application for a resource consent. An application needs to be made on the correct application form, and must include:
- A description of the activity and its location (including a map with a scale and legend);
- An Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE). The assessment details any actual or potential effects that the activity may have on the environment. If there are harmful effects, the assessment will describe how it will be reduced or prevented;
- Consultation you have undertaken, and written approvals if required.
- A statement specifying all other consents that may be required for your activity, and whether you have applied for them.
Examples of minimum plan and other information requirements for applications for coastal permits:
Example of minimum plan requirements for boat ramps (112 KB)
Example of minimum plan requirements for simple structures (e.g. Jetty) (76 KB)
Erosion Protection Works Guidelines for Tauranga Harbour
(Environment Bay of Plenty Guideline No. 2002/02)
Note: although this document has been specifically prepared for Tauranga Harbour, much of its contents are generally relevant to the Northland coastline and both professional and lay people are encouraged to refer to it at an early stage before finalising proposals and making applications for resource consent for coastal erosion protection works in Northland.
Council’s Regional Plans also provide detail on what information is required for different activities. View our Regional Plans in the resource library.
We have different application forms for the various types of resource consent. The specific information we require is detailed in each form.
If you require assistance to complete the application form, please contact us for help.
What to include in an Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE)
All applications must have an assessment of actual or potential effects. The assessment should contain enough detail to match the scale and significance of the actual or potential effects that the activity may have on the environment.
An Assessment of Effects should include:
- a description of the proposal
- where the activity may result in significant adverse effects, a description of possible alternative locations or methods for undertaking the activity
- an assessment of actual and potential effects on the environment
- where the activity includes the use of hazardous substances and installations, an assessment of any risks to the environment which are likely to arise from such use
- where the activity includes the discharge of any contaminant, a description of the nature of the discharge, the sensitivity of the receiving environment, and any possible alternative methods of discharge, including discharge into any other receiving environment.
- description of the measures to be undertaken to help prevent or reduce the actual or potential effects.
- identification of those persons interested or affected by the proposal, the consultation undertaken, and any response to the views of those consulted.
- where the scale or significance of the activity’s effect are such that monitoring is required, a description of how, once the proposal is approved, effects will be monitored and by whom.
When preparing an Assessment of Effects, the following things should be considered, including any:
- effects on neighbours and, where relevant, the wider community, including any socio-economic and cultural effects
- physical effect on locality, including any landscape and visual effects
- effect on ecosystems, including effects on plants or animals or habitats
- effect on natural or physical resources having aesthetic, recreational, scientific, historical, spiritual, cultural or other special value for present or future generations.
- discharge of contaminants into the environment, including noise, and the options for treatment and disposal of contaminants
- risk to the neighbourhood, the wider community, or the environment through natural hazards or the use of hazardous substances or installations.
Our staff can advise you about the type of information to include in your effects assessment so that it reflects the nature and the scale of the activity.
For all but simple activities such as bores and small water takes, we suggest you consider obtaining professional advice from a consultant with resource management expertise.
Checklist for applications
Make sure the application form is completed in full, signed and dated.
Make sure you include:
- a location plan (with scale bara map with a legend and site plan
- an Assessment of Environmental Effects
- details on consultation undertaken, and written approvals if required
- statement of other consents applied for the activity
- the correct deposit fee is attached to form. (Cheques should be made payable to ‘Northland Regional Council’).
Making the application
Applications can be made with the Council by hand or post. If your proposal includes maps and plans, it is best to drop off or post your application.
What happens when my application is received?
Firstly, we check to make sure the correct forms are completed, the deposit paid, and there is enough information for us to begin processing your application.
Details of your application are entered into our computer database which records all resource consents. You will be sent a letter saying we have accepted your application.
If your application is lacking information, it may be sent back to you with a letter outlining the further details we require. Your application will be placed on hold until we receive the information.
If your application is complete, a Council Consents Officer will begin processing it. You will receive a letter confirming your application and the name of the Consents Officer. This is the person you should contact if you have any queries.