Last Modified: 23 May 2013
Planning
Resource Consent
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Any development, subdivision or other proposed use of land must be assessed
against the Council's District Plan. The District Plan contains rules and
standards relating to different types of activities in different parts of the
City.
A Resource
Consent allows Council to give special consideration to activities and
developments that it considers may adversely affect the environment.
Building consents are concerned primarily with safety and to ensure
buildings meet the requirements stipulated by the Building Act 2004. You may
also need other consents which are not part of the resource consent
process.
The Ministry for the Environment has prepared a series of easy to understand
guides on the requirements and processes for resource consents.
Take this link
to view 'An everyday guide to the Resource Management Act series'.
Use the following links for more information about:
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| Applying for a Resource Consent |
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You, or someone representing you, such as a builder, architect, and
surveyor or planning consultant must complete an Application for
Resource Consent and submit it to the Council, either in person or by
post.
There is a fee for processing applications and an
assessment fee must be paid with your application. Application fees
cover the cost of processing your application only. Fees are not refundable if your application is declined or withdrawn. Other fees may also apply.
Click here to view the Schedule of Fees and Charges
Resource consent process
The Resource Management Act requires that the assessment period for
resource consent applications take a maximum of 20 working days,
provided all the necessary information included and your proposed
project does not need to be notified. The 20 working day time-frame can
be extended in special circumstances.
Any resource consent will follow one of three procedures:
- non notified
- limited notified
- publicly notified
The Council monitors projects it has issued resource consents
for. It also investigates building work that may be breaching the
District Plan rules and standards by not having the necessary consents.
If
you are concerned a development may not comply with the District Plan
rules and standards or the requirements under the Building Act, contact
us as soon as possible.
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New Zealand Planning Institute (including online directory)
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The New Zealand Planning Institute
Incorporated in 1949 as a Charitable Trust, the New Zealand Planning
Institute (NZPI) is the professional organisation representing planners,
resource managers, urban designers, and environmental practitioners
throughout New Zealand. NZPI promotes professional excellence and works in partnership with
planners to shape the future according to the changing and diverse needs
of all New Zealanders.
The New Zealand Planning
Institute produces an Online Directory to help the public identify a
qualified Consultant in their region. Seeking the advice of a qualified
professional is more likely to smooth the path, and achieve the desired
outcome.
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To find Professionals in Planning, Design & the Environment
visit www.planningconsultants.org.nz
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http://www.planning.org.nz/mainmenu |
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Notifying your neighbours
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It is courteous to consult your neighbours before commencing work but you are not legally bound to unless your project requires a resource consent and the Council considers your neighbours an affected party.
If your neighbour is building something you are not comfortable with, you could discuss it with them or contact us and ask for information about their project.
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Preparing an assessment of environmental effects
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Identify the effects
Gain an understanding of the proposed development and identify which
District Plan objectives, policies and rules it fails to comply with.
Consider these aspects of non-compliance and list the effects they may have on the surrounding environment and neighbouring properties - identify both positive and adverse environmental effects.
Methods for managing the effects
For each of the potential adverse effects identified, consider how these will be avoided, remedied or mitigated, and prepare a statement about this. If identified at an early stage, some effects from a proposal may be simple to resolve by changing the design or location of a building, machinery to be used, hours of operation and so forth. Other effects may be technical, such as noise, traffic, wind or glare. To adequately address these matters in your AEE you may need to employ an expert to assist you and amend the proposal to avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse environmental effects.
Alternative locations and measures
If the effects identified are significant, state what alternative locations and methods for undertaking the activity have been explored.
Examples of effects to consider:
- Any effect on neighbours directly adjoining the site boundaries - consider what the effects the appearance, bulk and scale of the proposal will be when seen from neighbouring properties.
- Any effect of the design - does it fit in with the surrounding neighbourhood.
- Any shading effects - consider where the sun rises and sets.
- Any traffic or parking effects.
- Any possible alternative locations or methods for undertaking the activity. Your reasons for making the proposed choice.
- Any noise effects.
- Any effects to existing mature trees, hedges and vegetation.
- Any lighting effects.
- Any effects from hours of operation.
- Any effects from proposed signs eg. consider sign lines for traffic turning in and out of the property.
- Any servicing effects (eg. connect to
Council's reticulated services for water, stormwater, sewer or provide
effluent disposal fields.
For further information please contact Planning on (04) 527 2169.
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Resource Management Act 1991
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The Council has a statutory responsibility under the Resource Management Act
1991 to prepare and administer its District Plan.
The Strategy and Planning
division is responsible for promoting the sustainable management of Upper Hutts
natural and physical resources in a manner that is consistent with the Resource
Management Act 1991. This is in keeping with Councils City Vision 'Upper Hutt
City - A great Place to Live' and the community outcomes identified in the LTCCP (Long Term Community Plan.
Anything not permitted by the District Plan requires a resource consent,
which will be for either a land use consent or a subdivision
consent. Resource Consents and Building Consents are different and have different
processes and different requirements for consulting your neighbours.
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Subdivisions
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Subdivisions require a resource consent and are generally possible if
the new lots comply with the requirements of the District Plan and:
- can be serviced.
- have no stability, flooding or other hazard problems.
- are accessible.
The Council considers the above matters and subdivision design when assessing each application. If you require advice regarding the subdivision of a specific property, please contact the Planning Department and we can provide specific advice relating to that property.
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