Resource Management FAQs

1. What can I do on my site? Can I subdivide my property?

The answers to these questions can be found by carefully working through the district plan and plan changes. However we recommend that you contact our enquiries planner. Alternatively you may wish to contact a resource management consultant.

2. Is there a difference between a Building Consent and a Resource Consent? My Building Consent has been issued. Do I still need a resource consent?

Building consents and resource consents serve quite different functions and are issued under different legislation. They are issued quite independently but you should not proceed to give effect to a building consent unless any required consent has already been granted.

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3. How much will it cost to process my application? Does the fee cover all the costs?

An initial deposit is required at the time of lodging any resource consent application. The deposit is not generally expected to cover the full cost of processing the application. Resource consent processing is on a user pays basis. For notified applications further deposits are payable at the time of notification and prior to a hearing date been set. Those additional deposits are set out in the same fees schedule.  A list of the initial deposits and the rates charged for additional work can be viewed by downloading Resource_Consent_charges_as__29_August_2011 (PDF, 61KB).

4. Why does my Resource Consent need to be monitored?

Resource consents are monitored to ensure that they have been carried out in accordance with the application and any conditions that have been imposed on the resource consent. For more information on monitoring download Resource_Consent_Monitoring (PDF, 30KB).

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5. My property does not have a Street number or a Rapid Number. How can I obtain one?

Street numbers are normally allocated once a subdivision has been finalised. We have a staff member who can assist you with your enquiry. We recommend that you send an e-mail with details of your property to

6. Will I need to pay Development Contributions and can I get an estimate?

QLDC has a policy on development contributions that is reviewed on a regular basis. A copy of the full policy is available on the QLDC website www.qldc.govt.nz To view a short guide on development contributions download DCN_Estimate_Request_Form (PDF, 94KB). To obtain an estimate please send an e-mail with the details of your proposal to

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7. Can I obtain a licence to occupy Council owned land that adjoins my property?

In certain circumstances Council may agree to a landowner occupying a portion of Council owned land. Such proposals need to be considered by Council's Property Subcommittee. A licence to occupy may be granted. To discuss whether your proposal would be considered by the Property Subcommittee you can send an e-mail with details of your property to

8. My property adjoins land owned by the Council. I am proposing a development that requires resource consent. How do I obtain an Affected Party Approval from Council as the owner of the land?

Requests for Council to sign an affected party approval are considered by Council's Property Subcommittee. To have your proposal considered by the Property Subcommittee you should send an e-mail with details of your property to

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9. Can I vary my resource consent or will I need a new consent?

You can apply to vary (or cancel) the conditions of a resource consent but if you are proposing a substantial change to an existing consent you may need to apply for a new resource consent. The application form for a variation of conditions can be viewed by Dec10RC_Var_Conditions (PDF, 137KB).

10. Will my application be publicly notified?

Around 96% of resource consent applications are processed on a non-notified basis. The requirements for notification of an application are set out in section is 95A to 95F of the Resource Management Act. The processing planner will want time to fully assess your application before deciding whether your application needs to be publicly notified or limited notified (served on a limited number of neighbours) but they will be happy to discuss this with you once your application has been properly assessed.

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11. Do I need to get approvals from all my neighbours for my development before I submit the consent?

There is no mandatory requirement to consult with your neighbours but it can be very helpful. If there are neighbours who would likely be affected by your proposal to a minor or more than minor degree than it will assist the processing of your resource consent if you obtain their written approval to your proposal and submit these with your application. (See affected party approvals). Alternatively you can submit your application and ask the processing planner to advise you on who they consider to be affected.

12. How long will it take to process my application?

During the 12 months ended 30 June 2011, 97% of resource consent applications processed by Lakes Environmental limited were processed within their required statutory processing periods. The average processing period for non-notified consents was 12.1 working days and for notified consents the average period was 59.3 working days. View a graph showing monthly performance for the past 12 months.

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13. What happens if I do/don't sign an affected person's approval form?

If you sign an affected party approval form the Council will not take account of any effects that the proposal may have on you or your property. You are not required to sign an affected party approval.

14. Do I need consent to erect a sign? What's the difference between a Sign Permit and a Resource Consent?

All signs require either a sign permit or a resource consent. A brief information sheet on signage can be viewed by downloading Signage_Guide (PDF, 34KB). It is recommended that you discuss your sign proposal with an enquiries planner. A sign permit can be obtained for signs that comply with the Council's sign bylaw. Applications for a sign permit are made to Lakes Environmental. For a copy of the application form for a sign permit visit www.qldc.govt.nz/annual_plans/file/289

Section 18 of the District Plan deals with signs and the resource consent process required for them. Applications are made using the normal resource consent application form (PDF, 138KB) and are lodged with Lakes Environmental.

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15. How high can I build my fence? What are the rules in the District plan around fencing? What legislation governs fencing?

The height and type of fence construction that is permitted will depend on the zoning of your land and may also be limited by covenants on your property. In many circumstances a fence up to 2 m high can be constructed but, for example, in a high-density residential zone no visually opaque fence over 1.2 m high can be constructed on the road boundary. When considering the height of a fence you may also need to consider what was original ground level. For assistance it is recommended that you contact the enquiries planner. If you are proposing to construct a boundary fence then you should consult with your neighbour and make yourself familiar with the provisions of the Fencing Act.